Cape Verde Has Become World Cup Darlings Without Winning A Game
Key takeaways
- Sports Money Cape Verde Has Become World Cup Darlings Without Winning A Game By Michael Lewis,
- (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIRVINE, Calif. - The minnows are swimming with the sharks in the FIFA World Cup.
- In the opening 11 days of the competition, there have been plenty of surprises by underdogs teams.
Sports Money Cape Verde Has Become World Cup Darlings Without Winning A Game By Michael Lewis,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. U.S. men's national team and soccer Follow Author Jun 21, 2026, 11:07pm EDTJun 21, 2026, 11:32pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Summary Cape Verde, a nation of 550,000, has emerged as the World Cup's darlings, defying expectations without winning a game. The Blue Sharks, ranked 67th, drew 0-0 against European champion Spain and then battled two-time World Cup winner Uruguay to a thrilling 2-2 tie, with Kevin Pina scoring their first-ever World Cup goal and Helio Varela equalizing. Goalkeeper Vozinha became an instant sensation for his heroic saves against Spain, despite personal struggles with his mother's visa, which was later resolved by the U.S. State Department. Their resilience showcases that small nations can compete at the highest level, keeping them in contention for the Round of 32.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 21: Pico Lopes #4 and Vozinha #1 of Cabo Verde embrace after the 2-2 draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIRVINE, Calif. - The minnows are swimming with the sharks in the FIFA World Cup.