Cape Verde’s national team received a rousing welcome from thousands of supporters after returning home from their historic FIFA World Cup campaign, despite suffering a heartbreaking defeat to defending champions Argentina.
Fans gathered at Praia International Airport on Sunday to welcome the Blue Sharks, whose remarkable debut at the tournament captured attention across the football world.
The celebrations coincided with Cape Verde’s 51st Independence Day, adding further significance to the team’s emotional homecoming.
Fans honour historic achievement
Supporters waving national flags and banners lined the airport as players arrived before beginning an open-top parade through the capital.
The squad is also scheduled to meet the country’s president and other government officials in recognition of their achievements.
Cape Verde exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance before narrowly losing 3-2 to Argentina after extra time in the round of 32.
The debutants twice came from behind during the dramatic contest before an own goal ended their hopes of pulling off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Speaking after the team’s arrival, head coach Bubista said the campaign proved that Cape Verde deserved their place among the world’s best.
“We demonstrated that our World Cup qualification wasn’t down to luck. We showed hard work and resilience, and we left the United States with our heads held high,” he said.
Nation celebrates Blue Sharks
Fans praised the players for inspiring the country throughout the tournament.
Although their World Cup journey ended in defeat, celebrations continued across Praia as supporters honoured a squad that made history by reaching the knockout rounds in their tournament debut.
For the island nation of a little over 500,000 people, the Blue Sharks returned home not as defeated players, but as national heroes.
