Seychelles completed all ten matches in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, standing tall despite competing against far stronger African nations.
Representing one of the continent’s smallest countries, the team displayed remarkable resilience and pride throughout the competition.
Placed in Group F, Seychelles faced a daunting challenge alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Kenya, and Burundi.
Côte d’Ivoire topped the group to secure qualification, while Gabon finished second to advance to the play-offs. For Seychelles, it was a campaign defined not by victories, but by persistence and national spirit.
The statistics underline the scale of their task. The island nation, with a population of fewer than 100,000 people and a total land area of about 452 square kilometres, entered the qualifiers with one of the lowest-valued squads in Africa—worth approximately $900,000 in total.
Over ten matches, Seychelles conceded 53 goals and collected 25 yellow cards. They failed to win any games but managed to score twice, moments that provided rare but memorable celebrations for their supporters.
Each goal represented the unwavering determination of players who carried their nation’s hopes on their shoulders.
The results may not have brought points or progress, but they showcased the persistence of a team that refuses to give up.
Against professional players from established footballing nations, Seychelles competed with grit and discipline, often defending deep and countering when opportunities arose.
The campaign also highlighted the challenges small nations face in African football. Limited infrastructure, financial constraints, and a narrow player pool make it difficult to compete with the continent’s powerhouses.
Yet Seychelles’ commitment to honour every fixture and represent their flag with dignity earned them widespread respect.
Their journey serves as a reminder that football is not only about trophies and titles, but also about resilience and identity.
Seychelles may not have matched the physicality or technical depth of their opponents, but they displayed courage that inspired pride back home.
For the players, each match offered valuable experience against high-level opposition. Facing stars from clubs across Europe and Africa, the team gained lessons that will strengthen their development for future competitions.
In the end, Seychelles left the qualifiers without a win, but their story goes beyond the numbers.
It tells of a nation that continues to dream big despite its small size, a group of players who show that determination and unity can make even the smallest nations stand tall in football’s grand arena.
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers may not have delivered victories for Seychelles, but they revealed something far more important — the enduring power of pride, perseverance, and belief.
