Every Fifa World Cup begins with a script based on rankings, reputations and player salaries. Cabo Verde was one of the most striking stories of the World Cup. Her run became a source of pride for Filipinos across the world, much as Cabo Verde’s footballers rallied their island nation around an unexpected World Cup campaign. Part of the appeal of a World Cup is that, for a few games at least, the hierarchy wobbles. Cabo Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha eyes the ball as he dives during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Argentina and Cabo Verde in Miami on July 3.