Cape Verde prove small nations can dream big at 2026 World Cup — Pico Lopes

Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes says the island nation’s 2026 World Cup campaign proves that “anything is possible” for smaller countries, after they narrowly lost 3–2 to defending champions Argentina in a dramatic Round of 32 clash decided in extra time in Miami.

“What we achieved, we wanted to show what was possible for small nations. With big hearts, that you can believe, and dream anything is possible,” Lopes said after the match.

Cape Verde, a nation of just over 500,000 people, twice fought back against Argentina and forced extra time before conceding a decisive 111th-minute own goal in a tightly contested encounter.

Lopes added: “I hope this team here now has inspired some young Cape Verdeans to be here next. We show what’s possible. We show what you can do when you get to this stage and meet some of the best teams in the world.”

The debutants had already impressed in the group stage, holding Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws in their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Goalkeeper Vozinha also emerged as one of the tournament’s standout figures, with a man-of-the-match performance against Spain and a rapid rise in global attention during the competition.

“The World Cup means a lot to us… we are very proud of everything we have achieved,” Vozinha said, adding that the team left “with our heads held high” despite the defeat.