The Cape Verde national team delegation received a grand welcome upon its return from America, after participating in the 2026 World Cup.

Cape Verde bid farewell to the World Cup with their heads held high, after a thrilling match against Argentina that ended with the world champion winning 3-2 after extra time, after the island team came close to achieving one of the biggest surprises of the tournament.

Thousands of fans gathered at the airport to welcome the Cape Verde team after their historic first participation in the FIFA World Cup.

The players appeared in an open-top bus among the fans who welcomed them as if they were returning with the title.

Despite their exit from the round of 32, the team captured the hearts of the world and the players return home as true heroes.

Best young player of the tournament.

FIFA POWER RANKINGS guide.

Attack

Playmaking

Defense

Cape Verde delivered a heroic performance in the World Cup, drawing goalless with Spain and Saudi Arabia, then forcing a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, before narrowly losing to Argentina.