The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, set for June 11–19, has been widely anticipated among fans who want to watch what may be the final World Cup for two of the game’s greats, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, and Jordan have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in their countries’ histories.

During the October final qualification match against Eswatini, Cape Verde supporters surrounded the field waving blue flags. As the final whistle blew, the celebration began. Fireworks were set off, and the fans cheered.

They are still cheering.

Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves also took part in the festivities, giving an inspiring speech and comparing the celebrations to a new independence day.

This is a monumental achievement for these countries. Normally, citizens of other qualified countries celebrate their nation with loud fireworks and flood the streets. However, because soccer is not as popular in the United States, celebrations are not as widespread.

Although the festivities might not be as widespread, there are still areas where people do celebrate. Massachusetts has the highest population of Cape Verdeans aside from the islands themselves.

Brockton has over 20,000 residents of Cape Verdean descent. Because of this, the parades there were as lively as you would expect.

A side of my family is Cape Verdean, and for the last two games where wins were needed for qualification, we held a watch party. We were all excited to watch our country of origin make history. Everyone, including non-soccer fans, eagerly awaited the final whistle until the World Cup dream came true.

After the game, every Cape Verdean I know expressed excitement about our first-ever qualification. Months later, we’re still sharing our eagerness to see our team take the field in June. That’s the staying power of our fandom.

In 2013, I remember watching the Tubarões Azuis (the team’s nickname, Portuguese for “Blue Sharks”) in the African Cup of Nations. Even then, they were a dominant team.

The team qualified first in a group with both Ghana and Egypt. Cape Verde had to play against players like Jordan Ayew and Mohamed Salah, who have both played in the best leagues in the world. Cape Verde ended their run with a quarterfinal loss to South Africa.

Since their quarterfinal loss to South Africa at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, played in early 2024, my favorite team has continued to improve and is now in strong form.

Still, the road ahead will be difficult. Cape Verde has been drawn into a daunting group alongside World Cup veterans Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.

I for one can’t wait to watch everything unfold.