There are victories measured in goals, and then there are others, rarer and more profound, measured in emotion, pride, and a sense of belonging. The historic qualification of the Cape Verde National Football Team for the 2026 World Cup is one of those victories, an achievement that transcends sport and is inscribed in the soul of a people.

In the streets, homes, and squares of our islands, the country vibrated in unison. For a moment, distances and differences disappeared, and the blue of the flag was the only language everyone spoke. Football, like the sea, has the power to unite us, to remind us that we are greater when we play as a team.

For the Carlos Albertino Veiga Foundation, sport is more than competition; it is education, discipline, health, identity, and inspiration. It is one of the guiding lights in building a more cohesive, supportive, and confident society. We believe that investing in sport, just like investing in culture and education, is a direct investment in the future of Cape Verde.

Today, the dream of reaching the World Cup is also a lesson that with hard work, talent, and faith, a small country can achieve global success. And when the Cape Verdean national anthem plays at the 2026 World Cup, it will not only be the victory of eleven players, but the victory of an entire nation, united by hope, guided by pride, and strengthened by its spirit of overcoming adversity.

Congratulations Blue Sharks!