How Cabo Verde Captured Hearts at the 2026 World Cup

Originally written for Tampa Bay Sports Journal

From a Tiny Island to the World Stage: Cabo Verde’s Unexpected Connection to Tampa Bay

A World Cup Like Never Before

For the first time in its history, FIFA brought 48 teams to the World Cup. Also, for the first time, three countries hosted the world's most anticipated and watched tournament: the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

It's a fact that the United States has one of the best sports infrastructures in the world, with many colleges, even high school campuses, hosting different nations. The Tampa Bay area, a.k.a Champa Bay, wasn't an exception.

From Cabo Verde to Tampa Bay

The national soccer team from Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), an island nation with a population of 530,000, flew to the United States to debut at the 2026 World Cup. The squad found a base in Tampa and practiced at the Tampa Bay Rowdies stadium, Al Lang Stadium, in St. Pete.

The Team That Surprised the World

The Group H participant pleasantly surprised fans around the world a few times. The Cabo Verde national team finished the group without losses, with three draws, including one against the heavyweight Spain (0:0).

Their 40-year-old goalie, Vozinha, became an overnight sensation, going from 46K followers on Instagram to a few million by the end of the first game, and to 23.7 million to this date.

A Night of Drama Against Messi and Argentina

Moreover, the Cape Verdeans showed incredible character and resistance in one of the most dramatic matches in the sports world against Argentina and Lionel Messi himself. The reigning champion won 3:2, but it was close to a failure so many times.

After the game, the soccer players took pictures with Messi. The opponents exchanged respect in a hard-fought contest as all media and fans watched.

What If Tampa Had Known?

If only Tampa residents knew how a squad from a tiny African island would make the whole world fall in love with them, they would definitely pay more attention to the city's guests.

But it's crucial to understand that, in addition to bar scenes, local football fans, with some help from the TB Rowdies, organized watch parties at the stadium and at Armature Works.

Fourth of July Encounter in Pasco County

Moreover, absolutely by accident or by destiny, a few Cape Verdeans crossed their path at Ross Store in Pasco County on the Fourth of July. Three men were wearing the national team jerseys, so people around paid attention, greeted each other, and took pictures.

What are the chances of meeting Cape Verdean fans in a rapidly growing suburb outside of Tampa?

Jamaica, Morocco, Russia, USA, Cape Verde... all together in one place, laughing, talking about sports and cultures on the 250th anniversary of the United States...

Sports Is About People

Sports is about people. And the United States of America is about people.

It's a great time to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest sports event on the planet.