Moreira: “Cabo Verde is going crazy” as island nears first World Cup
Cape Verde have one foot inside their first FIFA World Cup after a dramatic qualifying campaign, and defender Steven Moreira says the island is in a frenzy of belief.
With a 1–0 home win over Cameroon propelling them four points clear at the top of CAF Group D, the Blue Sharks are just two matches away from history. “It is amazing… the mood is crazy,” Moreira told FIFA.
What makes this all the more remarkable is the size of the country. With a population of about 525,000, Cape Verde would be the second-smallest nation ever to appear at a World Cup, trailing only Iceland (2018).
That fact has not hindered them — quite the contrary. Their run in Group D, which features Cameroon, Angola, Libya, Eswatini and Mauritius, has been built on resilience, smart strategy, and defensive resolve.
A pivotal night vs Cameroon
It was this month’s 1–0 victory over Cameroon that gave Cape Verde breathing space.
With Cameroon pressing and the tension high, Moreira reflected on the confidence in the squad. “We have done the most difficult part … now we have two games to focus on it, and hopefully we can enjoy it afterwards,” he said.
To his point, that win wasn’t celebrated prematurely — rather it crystallised the opportunity ahead.
The defender also revealed how the players managed emotions: “We knew the game against Cameroon was very important … even if we lose one game we still have a big, big chance to qualify.”
He admitted the country is buzzing: “You can see the people are very happy, proud and excited. Hopefully we will make everybody prouder in two weeks.”
From France youth to Cape Verde anchor
Moreira’s international story is one of choices and timing. Born in France in 1994, he came through youth ranks there — even representing France at U-16, U-19, U-20 and U-21 levels — before switching allegiance to Cape Verde in 2023.
The shift was motivated by opportunity and connection. “They were calling me when I was about 17 … but I waited,” he explained.
“When I was playing in MLS, I thought it was a good moment to go over there … it was the best choice.”
His club career has been solid: since 2021 he has starred for Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer, where he was named 2024 MLS Defender of the Year, praised for his consistency, leadership, and positional versatility.
In the national setup he is often deployed as a right-back or center-back in a three-man defence — shifting roles with freedom to step forward when needed.
That adaptability has become a key tactical asset for Cabo Verde under coach Bubista.
Implications beyond the pitch
The stakes for Cape Verde extend far beyond football. Moreira spoke of tourism, awareness and national identity:
“Everything will change … more people will come to see how beautiful the country is.”
For a nation long in football’s fringes, World Cup participation would be transformative — drawing global attention, boosting youth development and inspiring a generation.
Meanwhile, Moreira also considers what it would mean personally to appear on the global stage in the USA, a country he knows intimately:
“If I can take part in the World Cup with my country (in the USA), it would be amazing … some people think America is not about soccer … but MLS is going crazy.”
At 31, he is likely in his prime as a leader, blending experience, passion and authority. For Cape Verde, his journey mirrors the country’s rise — from underdog to contender.
The road ahead
Cape Verde lead Group D with a buffer. The qualifying format allows only the group winner to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while runners-up may get a second-round playoff path.
With two matches left — one against bottom-placed Eswatini and another away in Libya — they need minimal results to seal their first ever berth at football’s greatest stage.
For Africa and beyond, their story is a reminder that football myths can shift, and smaller nations can dream bigger than ever.