World Cup 2026: Cape Verde’s feat is greatest moment since independence, says former coach Rui Aguas

Former Cape Verde coach Rui Águas believes the Blue Sharks’ qualification for the 2026 World Cup ranks as the most significant moment in the nation’s history since independence, underlining the scale of the country’s football revolution.

Cape Verde have become one of the stories of the tournament after holding Spain to a goalless draw and earning a 2-2 result against Uruguay, leaving them with a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stages ahead of a decisive clash with Saudi Arabia.

Águas, who managed the national team across two spells between 2014 and 2020, said the achievement has united the country in a way few events ever have.

“I’m sure that this historic qualification was the greatest and happiest event since independence, also because it was the first time,” he said.

“The people in Cape Verde love football, they really do, and especially their national team.”

The former Benfica and Porto striker revealed his connection to the island nation extends beyond football, with family ties giving him a unique perspective on the celebrations surrounding the team’s success.

Looking back on his own spell in charge, Águas credited the current federation, coaching staff and players for turning years of development into tangible success on the global stage.

“Naturally, the ultimate credit for this incredible achievement belongs to the current federative structure, the technical staff, and the players who are out there competing right now,” he said.

“But the road to reaching this level was a long and demanding one.”

Águas pointed to improvements in organisation and support structures as major factors behind Cape Verde’s rise, insisting the team fully deserved its place at the World Cup after winning its qualification group.

“The goal, of course, has always been to reach the World Cup,” he said.

“They entirely deserved their ticket to the tournament.”

With Cape Verde now within touching distance of the knockout rounds, Águas believes the squad has already exceeded expectations but warned there is still work to do.

“At the beginning, nobody thought it was possible to draw against Spain, one of the greatest teams in the world,” he said.

“Cape Verde is very strong as a team, and they have to keep going that way to achieve even more.”