Gelson Fernandes credits FIFA support for Cape Verde’s historic World Cup rise ahead of Argentina clash

Gelson Fernandes has hailed the impact of FIFA’s long-term investment in Cape Verde’s football development, describing the island nation’s remarkable rise on the international stage as proof of what sustained support and strategic planning can achieve.

The FIFA Deputy Director of Member Associations and Regional Director for Africa believes the Blue Sharks’ impressive performances at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup are the result of years of collaboration between FIFA and the Cape Verde Football Federation.

Born in Cape Verde before moving to Switzerland at the age of five, Fernandes knows the country’s football journey better than most.

The former Switzerland international, who famously scored the only goal in his country’s historic 1-0 victory over Spain at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, joined FIFA in August 2022.

Speaking about Cape Verde’s transformation, Fernandes praised the federation for overcoming significant geographical and logistical challenges.

“FIFA’s support has been, and continues to be, essential for Cabo Verde; for its federation and for the broader development of football in the country.

“The federation is truly a role model, given the difficulties it has faced in the past and the natural challenges of organizing football across an archipelago, from logistics to infrastructure.

“We work closely with Cabo Verde to find the best solutions: ensuring players have opportunities to compete, that championships can take place, and that knowledge is transferred, whether to referees or to those managing teams at every level. And it has worked.”

Fernandes also highlighted the significant impact of the FIFA Forward programme, which has funded numerous infrastructure and development initiatives across the islands.

“Cabo Verde has made strategic use of FIFA Forward resources to expand football infrastructure, strengthen competitive structures, and support national team development across the archipelago.

“In total, so far, we are talking about 17 different projects, from the construction of artificial pitches in the Santa Cruz municipality on Santiago Island, which have benefited multiple teams in the region and created more opportunities for young people to play, to the renovation of the Adérito Sena Stadium on the island of São Vicente, and continued support for the national teams, including the Under-17s. These are concrete examples of the impact FIFA Forward can have on a federation.”

Cape Verde’s success has become one of the biggest stories of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, with the Blue Sharks advancing to the knockout stages and continuing to defy expectations against more established football nations.

Fernandes believes their achievements extend beyond football, inspiring Cape Verdeans both at home and across the global diaspora.

“This World Cup cycle is already historic for so many African nations, Cabo Verde, but also DR Congo, South Africa, and others reaching the knockout stages.

“It is creating lifetime memories for people, and on a personal level, I found it deeply emotional, because these successes reinforce the bond between those born outside their country of origin and the land of their parents.

“It strengthens that connection and makes it a source of even greater pride. It’s beautiful to witness.

“For me, each time I witness the team playing at this World Cup is a new achievement. I am incredibly proud of everyone who worked alongside us to build this.

“This qualification brings real happiness, and naturally some pride, because of the work we put in and the impact FIFA has been able to have in a country like Cabo Verde.”

Cape Verde will now face one of their toughest tests yet when they take on Argentina in the Round of 32.

Having already captured the imagination of football fans with their fearless displays and disciplined performances against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, the Blue Sharks will be aiming to produce another memorable upset against the reigning world champions.

Regardless of the outcome, Cape Verde’s historic World Cup campaign stands as a testament to effective planning, investment in grassroots football, improved infrastructure, and the collective effort of the federation and FIFA to transform the fortunes of one of Africa’s smallest footballing nations.