FIFA World Cup 2026: Where is Cabo Verde, the archipelago's team that stunned Spain, 2010 champions

A historic feat unfolded at the FIFA World Cup 2026 when debutants Cabo Verde marked their first-ever appearance on football's biggest stage by holding 2010 champions Spain to a goalless draw.

In one of the tournament's biggest surprises so far, the African island nation earned a point in its maiden World Cup match after a disciplined defensive display in the Group H opener at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 15. Goalkeeper Vozinha emerged as the hero of the night, producing a string of crucial saves to frustrate the Spanish attack.

The result instantly put the small island nation in the spotlight. Beyond the football fairytale lies a fascinating archipelago of volcanic islands, rich cultural traditions, a far-reaching global diaspora and a history that connects Africa, Europe and the wider Atlantic world.

Where is Cabo Verde?

Cabo Verde, formerly known internationally as Cape Verde, is an island nation located in the central Atlantic Ocean, approximately 650 kilometres west of Dakar, Senegal, the westernmost point of mainland Africa.

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The country consists of ten volcanic islands with a combined land area of around 4,033 square kilometres. The capital city, Praia, is located on Santiago Island, the largest island in the archipelago. The population is approximately 490,000 as per latest census data.

Cabo Verde is part of the Macaronesia region, which also includes the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and the Savage Islands.

The Cabo Verdean Escudo (CVE) is the official currency of Cabo Verde.

The islands that make up Cabo Verde

The archipelago is divided into two groups.

The northern Barlavento, or Windward Islands, include Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista.

The southern Sotavento, or Leeward Islands, include Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava.

Among them, Sal is known for its beaches and tourism, while São Vicente is regarded as the cultural heart of the nation. Fogo is famous for its volcanic landscape.

Santa Luzia is Cabo Verde's only uninhabited major island, largely due to a lack of fresh water and frequent droughts that prevented permanent settlement.

A blend of African and European heritage

The history of Cabo Verde is unlike most African nations.

The islands were uninhabited until Portuguese explorers settled there in the 15th century, creating one of the earliest European settlements in the tropics.

Over centuries, African and European influences merged to create a unique culture. Today, the majority of Cabo Verde's population is of mixed African and European ancestry, often referred to as Crioulo or mestiço.

The country's cultural identity reflects influences from Africa, Portugal and, through migration, other parts of Europe and the Americas.

What languages do people speak in Cabo Verde?

Portuguese is the official language and is used in government, education and formal settings.

However, the language most commonly spoken in daily life is Cabo Verdean Creole, known locally as Crioulo. It is one of the oldest Portuguese-based creole languages in the world.

From slave trade to an independent nation

Cabo Verde's strategic location in the Atlantic made it an important centre during the transatlantic slave trade between the 16th and 17th centuries.

The islands became a major stopover for ships travelling between Africa, Europe and the Americas. Economic fortunes later declined with the end of the slave trade and repeated droughts, prompting large-scale emigration.

Cabo Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and has since developed into one of Africa's most stable democracies. The country is frequently recognised for its governance, democratic institutions and human rights record.

How does Cabo Verde's economy work?

Unlike many nations, Cabo Verde has limited natural and mineral resources and imports much of its food and fuel.

Tourism has therefore become one of the most important pillars of the economy, generating employment, economic activity and foreign exchange.

Foreign investment and remittances from Cabo Verdeans living abroad also play a significant role in supporting the economy.

Why travellers love Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde has emerged as one of Africa's most attractive island destinations.

The country enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, generally ranging between 23°C and 30°C. Sea temperatures remain pleasant year-round, making it a popular destination for beach holidays.

Sal Island is the country's tourism hub, known for its white-sand beaches and water sports. The islands are particularly popular among surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers because of the strong Atlantic winds.

The months of August and September typically bring the rainy season, while the windy season from October to July attracts adventure sports enthusiasts from around the world.

Hiking tours are most common in the islands of Santo Antão, Santiago and Fogo.

The musical soul of Cabo Verde

Music occupies a special place in Cabo Verdean culture.

The national music genre is morna, a deeply melencholic and lyrical style that blends African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences.

Mindelo, on São Vicente Island, is often called the cultural capital of Cabo Verde. The city is famous for its musicians, artists, nightlife and live music scene. Music performances are a central part of everyday life and have helped shape the country's international image.

What food is Cabo Verde known for?

The country's best-known dish is cachupa, widely regarded as the national dish.

This hearty stew combines maize, beans, vegetables and often meat or fish. Variations can include sweet potatoes, yams, squash, cabbage and bananas.

Other popular dishes include feijoada, a bean-based stew, canja de galinha, a chicken and rice soup often served at celebrations, and caldo de peixe, a traditional fish soup.

A sporting nation beyond football

While football is the country's most followed sport, Cabo Verde has achieved success in other disciplines as well.

The national handball team won silver at the 2022 African Men's Handball Championship and bronze in 2026. The country also celebrated its first Olympic medal in 2024 when boxer Daniel Varela de Pina won bronze.

The islands are also internationally recognised for windsurfing and kiteboarding, with several world-class athletes emerging from the country.

A nation spread across the world

One of the most remarkable aspects of Cabo Verde is its global diaspora.

More Cabo Verdeans live abroad than within the country itself. Surpassing its resident population, an estimated 917,000 Cabo Verdeans live and work overseas.