They came as the Cinderellas of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, but by the end of the first round, Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) ‑ the tiny archipelago in the central Atlantic Ocean off the West African coast – had become the darling of the competition being hosted across Canada, the United States and Mexico.It took a gift to Argentina in the form of an own goal to end their dream debut on Friday night after a thrilling display of beautiful football and even more brilliant goalkeeping.It’s a safe bet that the entire football world is now learning more about this country.

Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (A.E.T.): The tiny African island nation hit back against the holders twice to threaten one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history before an…

Cape Verde are an example for other small nations to follow, said defender Pico Lopes, after the islanders came close to pulling off one of the greatest upsets in World Cup…