sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Nation With Smaller Population Than Birmingham Qualify for World Cup

Home> Football> Football News

Updated 19:15 13 Oct 2025 GMT+1Published 13:20 13 Oct 2025 GMT+1

Nation With Smaller Population Than Birmingham Qualify for World Cup

The 2026 World Cup line-up is beginning to take shape.

Marcus Chan

Marcus Chan

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

A nation that has less population than Birmingham has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in their history.

In 2026, the World Cup will take place across the United States of America, Mexico and Canada.

The tournament will last more than a month, with the first match taking place on June 11 before the final is held on July 19.

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, countries across the globe have been taking part in qualifying rounds in order to secure their place in football's most prestigious tournament.

Advert

So far, teams such as holders Argentina, five-time winners Brazil, Japan, Egypt and Ghana have all qualified.

Meanwhile, the likes of Spain, England, France and Germany are all poised to secure their place in next summer's big event.

On Monday, one of the smallest nations on planet earth booked their spot at the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup will take place across North America. Image: Getty
The 2026 World Cup will take place across North America. Image: Getty

Cape Verde, ranked 70th in the world, has a population that is smaller than Birmingham's, but the island's football team is making huge moves on the big stage.

And they beat Eswatini 3-0 to claim their spot at next summer's World Cup.

Dailon Livramento opened the scoring, with Willy Semedo doubling his side's lead. Stopira added a third in stoppage time.

It will be Cape Verde's first appearance at a World Cup, having never qualified before.

Ahead of the crucial match, the government declared a half-day across the nation of around 525,000 to give everyone a chance to witness history.

Journalist Victor Hugo said to FIFA: "Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps, because it’ll be incredible.

"We celebrated 50 years of independence this year, so it’d be incredible to crown that milestone with such a great achievement – reaching the (FIFA) World Cup for the first time."

Cape Verde join the likes of Jordan and Uzbekistan as debutants at the upcoming World Cup.

Nations that have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup:

Canada - Host

Mexico - Host

United States - Host

Japan

New Zealand

Iran

Argentina

Uzbekistan

South Korea

Jordan

Australia

Brazil

Ecuador

Uruguay

Colombia

Paraguay

Morocco

Tunisia

Egypt

Algeria

Ghana

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Football, FIFA World Cup, Football World Cup

Marcus Chan
Marcus Chan

Recommended reads

Barry Hearn sends message to Ronnie O'Sullivan over snooker future as Crucible prediction madeGettyTyson Fury explains why his 14-year-old son Prince has “no choice” but to become a boxerGettyTyson Fury targets Jon Jones clash as next move after boxing confirmedGetty“I don’t fight for a country” – Michael 'Venom' Page reveals why he won’t walk out with a flag at UFC LondonGeoff Stellfox/Getty Images

Advert

  • Country Could Get World Cup Place Through Random Draw in Crazy Qualifying Group
  • World Cup Qualifiers Thrown Into Chaos as Nation Fail to Turn Up to Match
  • FIFA issue statement on banning Israel from World Cup
  • FIFA Ref Makes History With Purple Card In U20 World Cup Match

Choose your content:

8 hours ago
11 hours ago
  • ITV
    8 hours ago

    Thomas Tuchel issues strong verdict on Ben White being booed by England fans

    Thomas Tuchel has given his verdict on England fans booing Ben White.

    Football
  • Getty
    8 hours ago

    Manuel Ugarte has second yellow card 'rescinded' vs England after bizarre incident

    Ugarte was shown two yellow cards but wasn't sent off.

    Football
  • Getty
    11 hours ago

    Thierry Henry names barely used England star as crucial asset for Tuchel’s World Cup plans

    The 1998 World Cup winner offered his thoughts on the Three Lions ahead of the 2026 edition of the tournament.

    Football
  • Getty
    11 hours ago

    Thomas Tuchel reveals Ben White's answer on why he left England camp amid 'clear the air' talks

    White is back in the England setup for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

    Football