Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha arrived at the 2026 World Cup with around 50,000 Instagram followers. Three unforgettable weeks later, the 40 year old had crossed 20 million, becoming the platform’s most followed goalkeeper after heroic saves,

Cape Verde nearly pulled off the biggest upset in World Cup history and leave the tournament proudly.

Despite being knocked out of the World Cup after a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Argentina in the Round of 32 match last week, Cape Verde's performance has ensured it had etched its place on the world football map.

And the Cape Verde national team’s return home this Sunday (5) reflects that. An INSANE welcome, with thousands of fans celebrating at the airport and in the streets. Watch:

By Nick Mulvenney MIAMI, July 4 (Reuters) - Cape Verde's sensational debut World Cup campaign ended on Friday but not until they had taken world champions Argentina down to the wire and become the sentimental favourites of millions of fans around the world.

Cape Verde may have exited the World Cup following a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Argentina, but the tiny African nation has left a permanent mark on the global stage. Despite the loss, their performance against the reigning world champions in Miami drew unprecedented praise from some of football's biggest legends like Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.