From underdogs to national icons: Cape Verde given hero’s welcome after World Cup dream

Thousands of fans gathered at the airport in the capital, Praia, on Sunday to give the team a rousing welcome. Airport staff and supporters celebrated the players' remarkable World Cup journey, with viral videos showing staff members bowing in respect as the squad arrived.

Cape Verde stunned the football world by reaching the Round of 32 after earning hard-fought draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia during the tournament.

Their dream run came to an end in a dramatic knockout clash against defending champions Argentina. The match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes before a heartbreaking 111th-minute own goal by Diney Borges handed Argentina a narrow victory, ending Cape Verde's historic campaign.

Despite the defeat, the team's performances won admiration across the world for their resilience and fearless football against some of the sport's biggest powers.

As the Blue Sharks returned home, the streets of Praia turned into a carnival. Fans beat drums, danced, chanted, and waved the national flag to celebrate the team's achievements.

Goalkeeper Vozinha, whose outstanding performances made him one of the tournament's breakout stars, told the BBC: "It is a very great moment for us to be here with our people."

"We wanted something bigger, but we didn't go to the next stage. Now we just enjoy the moment and celebrate with our people," added the 40-year-old goalkeeper.

One supporter told the BBC she attended the homecoming to express her gratitude to the Blue Sharks, who represented the World Cup's second-smallest nation. Despite making their tournament debut, the team held their own against football heavyweights such as Spain and Uruguay.

The celebrations carried even greater significance as the squad returned on the same day Cape Verde marked the 51st anniversary of its Independence Day, making it a double celebration for the island nation.