"Celebrations erupted at Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde stadium in Praia on Monday as Cape Verde made history by securing its first-ever World Cup qualification after defeating Eswatini 3-0. Footage shows fans waving Cape Verdean flags while cheering on their national team. Meanwhile, players can be seen taking selfies with the crowd and signing fans' flags. "It's an incredible feeling. It's a source of pride today to be able to qualify for the World Cup. This was impossible just a few years ago. We're a very small country, but we have a lot of courage," said Willy Semedo, one of the players. "It's a dream," Logan Costa, another player. "It's a dream for all of us. Being part of this generation is the work of all the generations that came before. Today, we're proud to be taking our country back to the World Cup." Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo, and Stopira scored to secure a home win for Cape Verde. The Blue Sharks finished four points ahead of Cameroon - who were held to a 0-0 draw by Angola - and claimed first place in Group D. Cape Verde is now the second smallest country by population to qualify for the upcoming FIFA tournament, after Iceland. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with 48 national teams competing. The tournament is set to kick off in June, with the final scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey."