Cape Verde may have ranked as the World Cup's second-smallest nation yet they created the biggest stir at the 2026 tournament.

Move aside Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane - the tournament newcomers grabbed all the headlines instead.

Goalkeeper Vozinha produced heroics to secure their opening World Cup point against Spain.

They enjoyed further excitement by netting their first World Cup goals versus Uruguay.

Sidny Lopes Cabral then delivered a stunning strike that nearly produced the competition's biggest upset against Argentina. Cape Verde's debut campaign delivered everything.

When extra time ended in Miami the Blue Sharks players collapsed on the pitch after a painful 3-2 defeat to the reigning champions but they depart the United States having captured countless admirers.

"Cape Verde have lost yet they have won," said former Scotland international James McFadden on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"They displayed courage, togetherness, unity and total belief in themselves and their abilities.

"The story of this tournament belongs to Cape Verde. That is exactly what you hope to witness from a football team."

They arrived ranked 67th in the world but three group-stage draws, including a 0-0 result against European champions Spain, created the chance to attempt one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history.

Against Argentina they trailed after a Messi goal yet fought back to 1-1 and forced extra time. They fell behind once more before Cabral's magnificent effort restored parity. A cruel deflection off Diney Borges from Cristian Romero's header ultimately ended their run.

Former England right-back Gary Neville told ITV it ranked as "one of the greatest performances" he had seen from an underdog.

"They are crying because they must leave," he added. "They do not want to depart. They wish to remain here for the rest of their lives.

"They want to stay forever. This moment may never return for some of these players. It feels magical yet also painful."

Despite the result Cape Verde manager Bubista expressed immense pride after his team came within ten minutes of sending Argentina to a penalty shootout.

"We proved that although we are a small country we can compete with the world's best teams," he said. "That brings great pride.

"We created history for our nation. They can feel proud to have represented our country.

"To perform the way we did against the world champions and equalise twice is truly remarkable."

Shamrock Rovers centre-back Roberto 'Pico' Lopes, who featured in all four Cape Verde matches, told BBC Sport: "One of the finest outcomes from this World Cup is that nobody needs to ask where Cape Verde lies on the map any longer - that achievement stands as history for us. We have placed ourselves on the map.

"We are a small nation but possess big hearts and we demonstrated what is achievable - and if you believe then you can succeed."