The third smallest nation (approx. 525,000) to qualify for the World Cup after Curacao and Iceland, Cabo Verde made history with a 3-0 win against Eswatini securing top spot in Group D.

Omar Marmoush scored as Egypt recorded a 2-0 victory over Cape Verde on penalties after the sides had drawn 1-1 in a third place play-off at the Al Ain International Cup. Men's Team Monday Marker:

Cabo Verde 1. Mohamed Hamdy (Egypt) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the centre of the goal. Goal! Egypt 1(1), Cabo Verde 1. Hossam Abdelmaguid (Egypt) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the centre of the goal.

The unprecedented qualification of Cape Verde for the World Cup brought to light an unexpected connection point with Brazilian football. Part of the work developed by the African team is related to a period of observation conducted by coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito at Toca da Raposa II, in Belo Horizonte.

Woonsocker resident Eva Helena Mendes was returning from a trip to her native Cape Verde when the unthinkable happened.

A super-sized World Cup has paved the way for tiny Curaçao and Cape Verde to book their places at sport’s biggest global event next year. Just as FIFA president Gianni Infantino predicted. It was back in 2017 when world soccer's governing body announced controversial plans to expand the sport's flagship tournament from 32 teams to 48 in 2026.

The Pharaohs level the match 1-1 in Al Ain as preparations continue for Morocco 2025(Video) Omar Marmoush Scores as Egypt Equalise Against Cape Verde in UAE Friendly Ahead of AFCON 2025Egypt earned

Egypt faced Uzbekistan in Friday's semi-final, with Salah playing the entire match. However, they suffered an unexpected 2-0 loss and were knocked out of contention for the final against Iran. With Egypt now due to face Cape Verde in Monday's third-place play-off, manager Hossam Hassan has opted to give Salah a breather.