From upset to inspiration: Cape Verde coach says 'dreams have no limits'

"We are not just representing Cape Verde. We are representing all of Africa, which faces so many difficulties."

The coach of Cape Verde's national football team — one of the breakout stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — said he hopes his country's World Cup run will become a source of hope for the entire African continent and for children everywhere.

Coach Bubista made the remarks ahead of Cape Verde's Group H second-round match against South American powerhouse Uruguay on Sunday. He said he hopes the tournament will put Cape Verde on the map. The country is an archipelago of 15 islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa, and this is its first-ever World Cup appearance.

Cape Verde stunned football fans worldwide by holding European giant Spain to a 0-0 draw in their Group H opener, showcasing a disciplined defensive display. Goalkeeper Vozinha, who is in his 40s, kept a clean sheet and was named the match's best player, instantly becoming a global sensation.

"Our country has long worked to make itself known to the world," Bubista said. "Thanks to what the national team has achieved, Cape Verdeans all over the world are feeling great joy."

He added that pressing on through hardship with determination and fighting spirit is the very essence of the Cape Verdean people.

Bubista also said he hopes Cape Verde's ability to compete against the world's best will inspire children across Africa. "I hope that seeing a country like ours achieve such a dream will give them the belief that any goal is within reach," he said.

The coach said Cape Verde would play a more attacking brand of football in their remaining matches against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

"We wanted to show more going forward, but we had to take into account that we were playing Spain," he said. "I think we can do better in attack, and that is what we intend to do in the last two games."