Why Cape Verde’s World Cup first means so much
Andscape columnist William C. Rhoden discovers the passion behind the fanbase and players entering the 2026 World Cup
Andscape columnist William C. Rhoden explores the intriguing teams, people and themes around the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Cape Verde’s first trip to the World Cup is more than a soccer milestone; it is a celebration that stretches from the islands off West Africa to the team’s training base in Rhode Island.
Andscape columnist William C. Rhoden visits a Cape Verdean send-off in Pawtucket as fans, local organizers, and Columbus Crew defender Steven Moreira reflect on what this moment means for a country and its global community. The scenes and interviews capture the pride of a diaspora, the thrill of an underdog story, and the joy around a national team making history on the world’s biggest stage. It is about who gets to feel seen when a small nation steps into a massive tournament.