@reuters: Cape Verde lost to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup. But back home, nine-year-olds are already training to finish what the Blue Sharks started. With a population of around 500,000, Cape Verde became the least populous nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout rounds. Thousands of flag-waving fans packed the streets of Praia on 5 July to welcome their team home. At the Bola Pra Frente Academy in Praia, around 240 players aged between four and 17 are training to follow in their heroes' footsteps. The academy produced two players from the 2026 World Cup squad — including Kevin Pina, who scored Cape Verde's first ever World Cup goal. Cape Verde's women's team will also compete at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later this month. 🔗 Read more at the link in our bio. ✍️ Sodiq Adelakun, Julio Rodrigues, Robbie Corey-Boulet 📸 Sodiq Adelakun

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Thursday 09 July 2026 11:33:48 GMT