Livramento: Something special is awaiting Cabo Verde
Vozinha and Dailon Livramento sat down with FIFA to discuss Cabo Verde's historic World Cup qualification and what it means to the country.
Cabo Verde have made history by reaching World Cup for first time
Goalkeeper Vozinha and forward Livramento reflected on achievement
Blue Sharks will face Chile and New Zealand at FIFA Series in Auckland
Cabo Verde’s unprecedented qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ was more than just a sporting achievement. It was a historic milestone that has already earned these players a place in the history books of their country and African football as a whole.
Memories of post-match celebrations in the Cabo Verdean capital of Praia, following a win over Eswatini in the final qualifying match, are still strong enough to give them shivers.
But with the World Cup drawing ever closer, Cabo Verde’s new heroes are well aware that their legacy is still being written and they can use the tournament to build on a dream born decades ago.
Goalkeeper Vozinha, for one, can hardly contain his excitement. Speaking to FIFA about the viral scenes that followed Tanzanian referee Ahmed Arajiga calling time on the pivotal match at the Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde, he paused, admitting it gave him goosebumps.
“When the referee blew the final whistle, we felt a huge weight lift off our shoulders. It had taken years of struggle and sacrifice. It was a moment that will define my whole career, as well as all the other players. Some people are saying that the only greater moment than this was the independence of Cabo Verde,” he shared.
As one of the longest-serving players in the squad, Vozinha offers a profound perspective. For him, the achievement belongs not only to the players but to the entire population. “We fulfilled the dreams of our ancestors, of our grandparents and great-grandparents. I want people to see us on the pitch in the same way they see Cabo Verdean people, as a resilient nation that never gives up and always fights for its dreams.”
Dailon Livramento, who was born in Rotterdam, began his journey with the Blue Sharks in 2024. A little over a year later, he is still overwhelmed by the reactions of the Cabo Verde supporters.
“The celebrations were... they were crazy. I think the fans enjoyed it even more than we did. At first, we didn’t understand what had happened. It was only because of them and the way they were celebrating that we realised.”
On the flight back to Portugal, where he plays for Casa Pia in the Primeira Liga, he found himself unable to get any rest. “I just kept replaying the moment and watching the videos on my phone. It was so special.”
He did note, however, that it had been a long road to this point for his team-mates. Having worked towards their goal for over a decade, the team never lost hope, despite some painful defeats along the way.
“People only see the part when we qualified, but it was a process that took several years. Now that I look back, I think the journey was better than the achievement itself. We went through good times, but also bad times like when we failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.”
The 24-year-old forward’s insight highlights how a team’s legacy is defined less by their results and more by the journey that forged their identity.
The World Cup will be an opportunity to showcase Cabo Verde’s style of play, determination and resilience. It also represents an opportunity to build a lasting sporting legacy that can inspire a new generation and further develop football locally.
Drawn against Spain, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H, they know they have a huge challenge ahead. But when they envision these games in preparation for their World Cup debut, they can also appreciate the enormity of what they have already achieved.
“I don’t think we have anything to prove, but we want to honour our country by giving our best as this is our first World Cup. We’re not going there for a holiday,” remarked Vozinha.
“After this all happened, we said to each other, ’OK, this has to mean something. Something special is waiting for us,’ and that’s exactly what ended up happening,” added Livramento.