A large expedition of fans and media received the Cape Verde national football team this Sunday at the Nelson Mandela Airport in Praia after their historic participation in the 2026 World Cup, where they were eliminated in extra time in the round of sixteen by Argentina.

Upon their arrival this Sunday in Praia, the capital, the team was received with honors by hundreds of fans who waited waving national flags, as shown by the Cape Verdean Football Federation on its social networks.

One of the airport workers even appears bowing on the runway to the players and coaching staff, who are already the great national heroes.

In their first appearance in a World Cup, the African team was one of the surprises of the edition, achieving second place in Group H, which also included Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.

In their first match, they defied predictions and achieved a meritorious 0-0 draw against Spain and two more against Uruguay (2-2) and Saudi Arabia (0-0).

With three points and undefeated, the team led by former Badajoz footballer Pedro Leitao Brito ‘Bubista’ advanced to the round of sixteen of the tournament, becoming the smallest country in history to qualify for the knockout rounds of a World Cup.

There they amazed the football world by taking Argentina to extra time after a 1-1 draw in ninety minutes. Even in extra time, they managed to equalize again at 2-2 with a splendid goal from Sidney Lopes Cabral, but would fall with the definitive 3-2.

One of the great stories of this World Cup, which has elevated Cape Verde as the bastion of popular football.

Josimar José Évora Dias, known as ‘Vozinha’, goalkeeper from Cape Verde, became a prominent figure in the World Cup due to his impressive performances, especially against Spain.

His excellent performance in the tournament earned him a great deal of recognition, increasing his followers on Instagram from 200,000 to almost 26 million. Currently without a team after playing in GD Chaves, his name has appeared in rumors of possible transfers, including an alleged interest from Inter Miami, although the latter is considered rather part of the “Vozinhamania” generated on social networks.

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