Cape Verde skipper coming to terms with incredible World Cup qualification dream

Ryan Mendes may not be widely recognised even in Turkey, where he turns out for second tier outfit Igdir, yet by next summer, football enthusiasts across the globe will certainly know him and his squad well.

The 35 year old serves as captain for the Cape Verde national side and played a pivotal role in their convincing 3 0 triumph against Eswatini last week, securing a historic debut at the World Cup.

This achievement was far from a one off, as Cape Verde, drawing extensively on their Portuguese colonial heritage for talent, form a solid and competitive team.

During the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, they led their group, featuring Ghana, and advanced to the quarter finals, bowing out on penalties to South Africa.

In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, they once more dominated their section, this time surpassing the formerly dominant Cameroon.

We have competed in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and came quite close to reaching the 2014 World Cup, Mendes shared with AFP.

A great deal has been accomplished across the years. And now, we can view this as the natural progression.

Beneath this composed and practical reply, however, there is a sense of delighted disbelief that sparked a festive mood in the streets of the capital Praia following last weeks success.

To be honest, I am still struggling to comprehend our accomplishment, admitted Mendes, who launched his professional journey in France with Le Havre and Lille, and later spent time in England at Nottingham Forest.

As a child, I idolised Ronaldo's Brazil and the top footballing countries, imagining one day competing alongside them.

But the scenes we witnessed on Monday back home were utterly unprecedented.

It was extraordinary, utterly wild. The entire country is buzzing with joy, from those in Cape Verde to the communities abroad. Merely discussing it sends shivers down my spine.

With a populace of approximately 525000, this modest island nation off Senegals coast will rank as the second smallest by population to feature in a World Cup, trailing only Iceland, and the tiniest by land area.

Though they lack household stars akin to Ronaldo, Mendes is confident that the Blue Sharks can leave an impact at the event.

One certainty is this: we are not travelling just to contest three matches and return empty handed, he declared.

Our group remains unknown for now, but we aim to create a strong showing and deliver entertaining football, which is our passion.

We intend to fulfil our duties and showcase our strengths.

We plan to craft our own narrative and shape it on our terms. I truly hope it surpasses even the magic of our qualifying campaign.