Cape Verde. The tiny African island nation of Cape Verde qualified for the World Cup for the first time on Monday after beating Eswatini 3–0.

With a population smaller than that of the US state of Vermont, Cape Verde becomes the second-smallest country ever to reach the men’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1930.

Here’s a look at the smallest nations in World Cup history, based on their population at the time of their appearance:

Iceland
With a population of just over 350,000, Iceland became the smallest country to reach the World Cup when it qualified for the 2018 tournament in Russia. That came two years after its remarkable run at the 2016 European Championship, where it famously eliminated England to reach the quarterfinals.

In Russia, Iceland managed a draw against Argentina but finished last in its group after losses to Croatia and Nigeria.

Cape Verde
The island nation off the coast of West Africa, home to about 525,000 people, is ranked 70th in the FIFA men’s world ranking. Cape Verde earned its place at the 2026 World Cup by finishing first in its African qualifying group ahead of Cameroon, one of the continent’s traditional powerhouses.

The country, which gained independence from Portugal 50 years ago, has appeared at the Africa Cup of Nations four times, reaching the quarterfinals in 2013 and again in 2023. Of the nations that have already qualified for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Cape Verde is by far the smallest.

Paraguay
The South American nation had a population of just under 1 million when it appeared at the inaugural World Cup in 1930. Paraguay was eliminated in the first round after a loss to the United States and a win over Belgium.

The Paraguayans are set to make their ninth World Cup appearance next year after securing the final of South America’s six direct qualifying spots.

Trinidad and Tobago
The Caribbean country of Trinidad and Tobago earned its first and only World Cup appearance in 2006 after winning an international playoff. With a population of 1.3 million, it was the smallest country in that tournament by a wide margin.

Trinidad and Tobago drew with Sweden but lost to England and Paraguay to finish last in its group. It has not returned to the World Cup since.

Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland, with an estimated population of 1.4 million, made its World Cup debut in 1958. The team defeated Czechoslovakia, lost to Argentina, and drew with Germany in the group stage before being eliminated by France in the knockout round.

Northern Ireland later returned to the World Cup in 1982 and 1986.

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