Cape Verde, which has emerged as a star of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is drawing intense attention in China. In addition to a surge in travel searches spurred by the World Cup, Chinese state media pointed out that China's support lay behind the growth of Cape Verdean football.
On Sunday, China's state-run English-language outlet Global Times highlighted that "before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Cape Verde, which was little known to Chinese people, captured attention with its fighting spirit."
The outlet reported that "some Chinese netizens are eager to travel to Cape Verde," adding that "according to Trip.com, one of China's largest travel agencies, searches for Cape Verde in late June rose 388% from the same period last year and 852% from the previous month."
Global Times also emphasized that China's support played a role as Cape Verde, a small island nation with a population of about 520,000, reached the World Cup stage for the first time.
The outlet explained that "Cape Verde played its African qualifiers at the Cape Verde National Stadium, which China completed in 2013," and that "before then, Cape Verde had no choice but to go abroad and rent stadiums."
It continued, "The Cape Verde National Stadium is the most complete stadium in West Africa," assessing that "Chinese companies have participated in stadium construction across Africa over the past several decades and have contributed greatly to the development of national football teams."
Cape Verde was the biggest sensation of this tournament. In the round of 32 against Argentina held at Miami Stadium in the United States on Thursday, it fell 3-2 in an extra-time thriller and was eliminated, but it left a deep impression with its fighting spirit in standing up to a world-class team to the end.
In particular, goalkeeper Vozinha, who drew attention with brilliant saves, said after the match, "The result is disappointing, but we played on equal terms with world champion Argentina and even scored two equalizers," adding, "The people of Cape Verde will also be satisfied with the performance."
