Cape Verde squad receives hero's welcome at home
Cape Verde's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad was given a hero's welcome by thousands of fans when it returned home on Monday (AEST) after a fairytale run at the tournament that ended in a thrilling 3-2 defeat by Argentina in the Round of 32.
Hundreds of flag-waving fans were waiting at the airport to greet the players when they landed in the nation's capital Praia and more lined the streets as they made their way to Quebra Canela beach on an open-top truck for a homecoming celebration.
Cape Verde's Independence Day is 5 July and there was a holiday atmosphere as the Blue Sharks and their charismatic coach Bubista danced to pumping music on a stage in front of a sign reading "Obrigado! Cabo Verde".
"What's up Praia!" goalkeeper and social media sensation Vozinha shouted through a microphone to huge cheers.
A collection of 10 volcanic islands with a population of around 500,000 off the coast of west Africa, Cape Verde did not play a FIFA World Cup qualifier until the start of the century and was ranked No.67 in the world coming into this year's tournament.
It stunned the football world by holding two former champions, Spain and Uruguay, to draws in the opening round and became the least populous nation to reach the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup.
It cemented their place in the hearts of football fans around the world with a fearless display of defiance against reigning champion Argentina in Miami, going down 3-2 after extra-time in a pulsating match.
