Cape Verde Braces for Historic FIFA World Cup Debut
With just one month to go before Cape Verde makes its historic FIFA World Cup debut, the streets of Praia are beginning to stir. While some merchants are still waiting for “World Cup fever” to ignite, others are already stocking up on jerseys and flags, bracing for a wave of national pride and a much-needed boost in sales.
Waiting for the Blue Shark Surge
In the bustling Sucupira market, the commercial heart of the capital, the transformation into a sea of blue and gold is underway. Vera Moreira, who runs a stall dedicated to “Blue Sharks” gear, says the rush hasn’t quite started yet. “The movement of jerseys is still light,” she admits in the local Cape Verdean language. However, neighbor Vítor Semedo is seeing early signs of momentum. “Tourists and emigrants are the ones seeking them out the most right now,” he notes, pointing to locally processed gear made from imported materials.
Mainstay shops along the historic Plateau district are increasingly displaying national colors. Deise Semedo, a veteran retail worker of 15 years, reports that while the crowds have yet to peak, the inquiries are constant. “People are already asking more about the national team,” she says. Price points remain accessible, with adult jersey sets retailing for approximately 1,000 escudos (€9.10) and children’s sizes for 800 escudos (€7.27).
A Nation Prepares to Watch and Cheer
Beyond the retail sector, the hospitality industry is gearing up for the tournament. In São Domingos, about 20 kilometers from Praia, restaurant and bar owners are planning extensive renovations to accommodate fans. Felisberta de Pina plans to move her tables to the street and install large-screen televisions to create a fan zone atmosphere. “We want to gather customers and celebrate together,” she says.
In the Praia neighborhood of Achada Santo António, entrepreneur Érica Silva is following a similar strategy. She believes the team’s success is directly tied to her own. “The boys have potential. It’s their first time, so they might be nervous, but we have to believe they can go far,” Silva says. “The more games they play, the better it is for business.”
Road to the World Cup
Cape Verde’s journey begins on June 15 in Atlanta, where they face powerhouse Spain in a daunting Group H. Their debut campaign will continue with matches against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. This 2026 edition marks the first time the tournament has expanded to 48 teams, offering the Blue Sharks a path to the knockout stages if they can finish as one of the top two in their group or among the eight best third-place finishers.
The Cape Verdean Football Federation (FCF) confirmed that the squad will begin arriving in the archipelago this Monday. Following a series of island tours to greet fans, the team will be officially decorated by the President of the Republic on May 23. A final preparation match against Serbia is scheduled for May 31 at the Restelo Stadium in Lisbon before the team departs for the United States.
For the fans, the feeling is one of pure “pride.” “I believe the boys are playing good football and will move forward,” says fan Odair Tavares. As the countdown continues, the nation waits with bated breath to see its colors fly on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Image: Pexels – Alex Dos Santos
