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"Cape Verde President Jose Maria Neves on Sunday conferred the national football team with the Amilcar Cabral Order, one of the country's highest state honours, in recognition of their historic, first-ever qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Footage shows football association officials and team members being awarded in Praia. "As President of the Republic of Cape Verde, I have the privilege of decorating this golden generation of Cape Verdean football," Neves said during the ceremony. "Our Blue Sharks, who led us to the top of the mountain. This achievement is not just sporting. It is cultural, social, and political," he added while praising the team. Officials of the Cape Verde Football Federation and players also thanked the president for his support. "We want, from the bottom of our hearts, on behalf of the football team and everyone, to thank His Excellency, the President of the Republic - a Cape Verdean personality who has always accompanied and always supported the Sharks," national football federation president Mario Semedo said. On October 13, 2025, the team qualified for the tournament for the first time. They beat Eswatini 3-0 to confirm their ticket to the global finals. The 'Blue Sharks' are in Group H at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will face Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. Their opening match will be against Spain at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 15, 2026."
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