Tiny Nation Less Populated Than Wigan Win First World Cup Qualifier Since 2005

A nation with a smaller population than Wigan has won their first World Cup qualifier since 2005 in a momentous occasion in the country's history.

Several nations have booked their spot at the 2026 World Cup, including Cape Verde who have qualified for the first time in their history.

They secured their place at next summer's tournament in North America after a 3-0 home victory over Eswatini ensured top spot in their African qualifying group.

Cape Verde pipped Cameroon to top spot in Group D of the African qualifiers.

But Sao Tome and Príncipe won't be joining Cape Verde in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

However, the minnows, who have a population of 235,536, won their first World Cup qualifier since 2005.

Sao Tome and Príncipe beat Malawi 1-0 on Monday to secure a famous win.

🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆:

São Tomé have just won a football match for the first time since March 2022! 🇸🇹🔥

They stunned Malawi 1-0 in today’s World Cup qualifiers.

A historic moment for the tiny island nation! 🌍⚽️

Despite finishing bottom of Group H with 3 points from 10 games,… pic.twitter.com/nmdOLnm2yp

— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) October 13, 2025

Ronaldo Afonso scored the only goal of the game when he converted a penalty in the 62nd minute.

It's their only win of their African qualifying campaign, having lost their previous nine fixtures.

They have endured a tough qualifying campaign, losing to the likes of Tunisia, Namibia and Liberia.

But Sao Tome and Príncipe end their campaign on a high, securing their first win since 2005.

Malawi, on the other hand, squandered a golden opportunity to finish second in Group H of the African qualifiers.

A victory over Sao Tome and Principe would have seen them finish in second place, resulting in a play-off spot.

Succumbing to Sao Tome and Príncipe ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Which African nations have qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

A total of nine slots at the 2026 World Cup and one inter-confederation play-off slot are reserved for the African nations.

Six teams have already booked their place at next summer's competition, including Mohamed Salah's Egypt and Cape Verde, who will make their World Cup debut.

Algeria, Ghana, Morocco and Tunisia will also compete at the upcoming World Cup.