Fernandes Reveals FIFA Blueprint Behind Cape Verde’s Historic World Cup Success

As Cape Verde prepare for the biggest match in their football history against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, FIFA Deputy Director of Member Associations and Regional Director for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, has highlighted the governing body’s crucial role in the remarkable rise of the Blue Sharks.

Fernandes, who was born in Cape Verde before moving to Switzerland with his family at the age of five, said the island nation’s success on the global stage is the result of years of strategic investment, careful planning and strong collaboration between FIFA and the Cape Verde Football Association (FCF).

The former Switzerland international, who famously scored the only goal in his country’s shock 1-0 victory over Spain at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, joined FIFA in August 2022. Since then, he has been closely involved in supporting football development across Africa, with Cape Verde standing out as one of the continent’s greatest success stories.

“Cape Verde’s journey shows what can be achieved through long-term vision and partnership,” Fernandes said.

“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 organising football across an archipelago, from logistics to infrastructure.”

Spread across ten volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde has had to overcome unique geographical challenges in running domestic competitions and developing talent. Fernandes praised the federation’s commitment to finding innovative solutions despite those obstacles.

“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.”

A key driver of that progress has been FIFA’s Forward Programme, which has funded a series of infrastructure and development projects across the country.

According to Fernandes, Cape Verde has successfully utilised FIFA Forward funding to strengthen both grassroots and elite football.

“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, 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 and created more opportunities for young people to play, to the renovation of the Adérito Sena Stadium on São Vicente, as well as continued support for the national teams, including the Under-17s. These are concrete examples of the impact FIFA Forward can have on a federation.”

Those investments are now bearing fruit on football’s biggest stage.

Competing in an expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup for the first time, Cape Verde have become one of the tournament’s biggest surprise packages. The Blue Sharks advanced beyond the group stage before producing another memorable performance in the Round of 32 to book an historic place in the last 16.

Their fearless displays, tactical discipline and resilience have captured the imagination of football fans around the world and placed the small island nation among Africa’s standout performers, alongside DR Congo and South Africa.

Standing in their way now are world champions Argentina, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. While the South Americans enter the contest as overwhelming favourites, Cape Verde have already demonstrated throughout the tournament that they are capable of upsetting more established footballing nations.

Fernandes believes the achievements of Cape Verde and several other African teams underline the significance of the expanded World Cup and the opportunities it has created.

“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 find 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 Fernandes, Cape Verde’s success is also deeply personal.

“Each time I watch the team play 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 have put in and the impact FIFA has been able to have in a country like Cabo Verde.”

Regardless of the outcome against Argentina, Cape Verde have already rewritten their football history. Their remarkable World Cup adventure stands as a powerful testament to what sustained investment, sound governance and belief can achieve, offering inspiration not only to African football but also to smaller nations across the globe dreaming of competing with the world’s elite.