As well as glory, prestige and millions of Instagram followers, World Cup debutants Cape Verde’s run to the knockout stages has yielded major economic benefits for the African archipelago.
After becoming the smallest nation in history to get out of the group stage, Bubista’s side face the reigning champions, Lionel Messi’s Argentina, in the round of 32 on Friday in Miami.
They earned draws against tournament favourites Spain, two-time champions Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to reach this stage.
They will, of course, be at long odds to get past Argentina. But it won’t be a gimme for Messi and co. Cape Verde have shown the backs-to-the-wall spirit and dynamism on the counter-attack to prove that.
Back home, Cape Verde’s president Jose Maria Neves is bullish about the economic benefits for his nation, whose population numbers just over 500,000.
Simply reaching the knockouts has seen Cape Verde’s FA bank $11m in prize money, the equivalent of 0.3 per cent of the nation’s GDP. And Neves is using the national team’s moment on the world stage to court foreign investment and promote tourism.
Another stakeholder who is basking in Cape Verde’s reflected glory is Capelli Sport, who signed a deal to provide the team’s kit after they qualified for the World Cup earlier this year.
The New York-headquartered sportswear brand took over from Tempo, who had paid for the rights throughout their qualifying campaign.
But now, as reported by Sportico, Tempo have been sent a cease-and-desist letter by Capelli after continuing to sell Cape Verde gear in contravention, their lawyers say, of the new supplier’s exclusive rights.
Tempo, an Austrian company, is selling what it refers to as the 2025 edition of the national team’s jersey.
According to the report, the listings went live shortly after goalkeeper Vizinha inspired Cape Verde to their 0-0 draw with Spain on opening night of Group H.
