Cape Verde gave a triumphant welcome to its 2026 World Cup heroes. Upon their return to Praia, the capital city, the Blue Sharks were warmly greeted by thousands of supporters gathered outside the international airport.
Wearing the national team's jersey, fans proudly waved the Cape Verdean flag or draped it over their shoulders. In a festive atmosphere, songs, applause, and vuvuzelas accompanied the arrival of the players and coaching staff.
Speaking to the BBC, one supporter said she had come to thank the team for its historic campaign, marked by the country's first-ever participation in a FIFA World Cup and a run that earned the admiration of the entire nation.
The Blue Sharks' homecoming came at a symbolic moment, coinciding with the 51st anniversary of Cape Verde's independence, further strengthening the sense of national pride.
Cape Verde's remarkable journey came to an end on Friday after a hard-fought battle against Lionel Messi's Argentina. Despite a respectable 3-2 defeat, the team's players left the tournament with their heads held high after a courageous performance.
In their first-ever appearance on the world stage, the Blue Sharks made a lasting impression. Unbeaten during the group stage, they held Spain to a 0-0 draw, shared the points with Uruguay in a 2-2 draw, and also drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia, completing one of the most memorable campaigns of the 2026 World Cup.
