A post by Joëlle Monlouis, originally published on LinkedIn on 3 August 2026. Translated from the original French.
World Cup perspectives – 3/3
🇨🇻 Cape Verde did not win the World Cup. It won much more than that.
On its first appearance at a World Cup, Cape Verde enjoyed one of the most remarkable runs of this edition.
For those who have followed African football for several years, this achievement is above all the culmination of sustained work. For several years, the Blue Sharks have made consistent progress, establishing themselves as one of the continent’s most promising national teams.
Last May, while I was a guest speaker at a professional event in Cape Verde, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mário Semedo, President of the Cape Verdean Football Federation. During our conversation, I told him that I had great faith in this team and believed it was capable of a very impressive campaign.
I was actually due to attend their first match, but circumstances decided otherwise.
A few weeks later, my professional work brought me back to Cape Verde at the time of their match against Argentina. I sincerely believe there could have been no better place to experience that moment.
I will never forget that evening. An entire country held its breath, thrilled and hoped.
It is in these moments that we understand that sport extends far beyond the result of a match. It brings people together, unites them and creates a collective pride that is difficult to describe.
Two days later, I was also there for the players’ return. The welcome they received will remain one of the most memorable moments of this World Cup. They were welcomed not as an eliminated team, but as heroes.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mário Semedo, head coach Bubista, the coaching staff and, of course, Vozinha, whose performances made their mark on this World Cup.
Cape Verde may have been eliminated in the round of 32, but they left with the respect of the entire football world, the admiration of those who love the game and the immense pride of a whole nation.
Thank you, Cape Verde, for this magnificent lesson in football, courage and pride. Without the slightest hesitation, you were the team that won my heart at this World Cup. 🇨🇻❤️
#CapeVerde #CaboVerde #BlueSharks #FIFAWorldCup #AfricanFootball #Football