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Cape Verde's Soccer Sensations Return Home: A Truck Parade for World Cup Heroes
🇰🇷 South Korea /Sports

Cape Verde's Soccer Sensations Return Home: A Truck Parade for World Cup Heroes

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Cape Verde's national football team returned home as heroes after qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
  • Thousands of fans greeted the team with celebrations, including a truck parade.
  • Despite losing their final match against Argentina, the team's performance was celebrated as a historic achievement.

Cape Verde's national football team received a hero's welcome upon returning to their homeland after achieving a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team's success, described as the "biggest upset" of the tournament, was met with widespread celebration.

Thousands of fans gathered at the airport to greet the players, sharing hugs and high-fives. Goalkeeper Vozinha, who became a star during the tournament, was seen kneeling and bowing to the cheering crowd, capturing the moment on video. The team then participated in a parade atop large trucks, waving to the ecstatic fans.

Defender Pico Lopes expressed the team's elation, stating, "We gave everything for Cape Verde." The celebrations coincided with Cape Verde's Independence Day, adding to the festive atmosphere. Although the team was eliminated after a hard-fought 2-3 loss to Argentina in the round of 16, their journey to the World Cup finals was hailed as a monumental achievement for the island nation.

We gave everything for Cape Verde.

— Pico LopesThe defender expressed his joy and pride after the team's successful World Cup qualification and return home.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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