This children’s news article about Cape Verde making history at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful football and geography vocabulary, and discover more about the island nation of Cape Verde. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced teacher and writer for English News for Kids.
Cape Verde’s football dream continues
Football fans around the world are talking about Cape Verde after the island nation qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. The team then stayed unbeaten in the group stage, earning a place in the knockout stage. It has already been a historic tournament that many people in Cape Verde will never forget.
Where is Cape Verde?
Cape Verde is a group of ten volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, about 600 kilometres west of the coast of Africa. Around 561,900 people live there. The country’s official language is Portuguese, although many people speak Cape Verdean Creole every day. Beautiful beaches, mountains and colourful towns make the islands a wonderful place to visit.
A team that works together
Football is one of Cape Verde’s favourite sports. Many children dream of playing for the national team. Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup was already a huge achievement. Reaching the knockout stage without losing a match has made the celebration even bigger.
The Cape Verde players have impressed fans with their teamwork, determination and calm performances. Instead of relying on one famous star, the team has worked together in every match. Strong defending and quick counter-attacks have helped the players compete against some of the world’s best football teams.
The next challenge
Cape Verde’s next match will be against Argentina, the defending FIFA World Cup champions, in the Round of 32. The match will be one of the biggest in the country’s football history. Supporters will be hoping their team can continue its remarkable journey.
Whatever happens next, Cape Verde has already inspired football fans around the world. The team’s success is helping more people discover this remarkable island nation and showing young players that big dreams can begin anywhere.
For more information about Cape Verde’s geography, history and culture, visit the BBC Country Profile on Cape Verde.
Article vocabulary list
- Qualified: Earned a place in a competition by playing well in earlier matches.
- Group stage: The first part of a tournament, where teams play several matches.
- Knockout stage: The part of a tournament where the losing team is eliminated.
- Unbeaten: Not losing any matches.
- Volcanic: Made by or connected to volcanoes.
- Determination: Continuing to work hard even when something is difficult.
- Counter-attack: A fast attack after stopping the other team’s attack.
- Supporters: People who cheer for and encourage a team.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Why is this FIFA World Cup special for Cape Verde?
a) It is hosting the tournament.
b) It qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
c) It has already won the competition.
Answer: b) It qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
2. What helped Cape Verde reach the knockout stage?
a) Winning every match.
b) Staying unbeaten in the group stage.
c) Scoring the most goals in the tournament.
Answer: b) Staying unbeaten in the group stage.
3. Where is Cape Verde?
a) In the Atlantic Ocean, west of Africa.
b) In the Pacific Ocean.
c) In the Mediterranean Sea.
Answer: a) In the Atlantic Ocean, west of Africa.
4. Which languages are spoken in Cape Verde?
a) Spanish and Cape Verdean Creole
b) Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole
c) English and Cape Verdean Creole
Answer: b) Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole
5. Which team will Cape Verde play next?
a) Brazil
b) France
c) Argentina
Answer: c) Argentina
6. What does the word ‘qualified’ mean in this article?
a) To earn a place in a competition.
b) To win every match.
c) To score the most goals
Answer: a) To earn a place in a competition.
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
