Cape Verde’s Big Day Residents Leave Work Early to Watch Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier Match

On October 13, 2023, a significant moment in sports history may unfold for Cape Verde. Residents are granted early leave from work to watch a pivotal match against Eswatini in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This match kicks off at 18:00 local time.

Cape Verde’s Historic Opportunity

As the leader of their qualifying group, Cape Verde is on the brink of making its World Cup debut. A victory against Eswatini, the lowest-ranked team in their group, is all that stands between them and a coveted spot in the tournament.

Government Support

President José Maria Neves declared a “special day” in light of this crucial match. Workers are allowed to leave by noon, encouraging the entire nation to support their team during this historic event.

Qualification Context

• Date: October 13, 2023
• Match: Cape Verde vs. Eswatini
• Kick-off Time: 18:00 local time
• Current Record: 6 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss
• Population of Cape Verde: Approximately 525,000

If successful, Cape Verde would become the third debutant in World Cup history, following Jordan and Uzbekistan. This achievement would also make them the second least populated nation to participate, only behind Iceland in 2018.

Previous Performances

Cape Verde’s journey in the qualifiers has been impressive. They only lost once— a 4-1 defeat to Cameroon— and drew with Libya in a dramatic 3-3 match on October 8, 2023. Regrettably, a last-minute offside call cost them a chance to secure direct qualification.

African Representation

Currently, five African nations have already qualified: Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and Ghana. The top nine group winners will directly enter the World Cup, while four best second-placed teams will engage in a playoff to secure an intercontinental spot.

As the match approaches, the excitement builds across Cape Verde, with hopes high for a historic first-ever World Cup entry.