Cape Verde fans in Shanghai (17) cheer World Cup underdogs. Watch at The Shed & Cages. Next vs Argentina July 4, 6am CT. Join Blue Sharks' July 5 celebration.
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By Ned Kelly
READ MORE: Cape Verde Just Gave the World Cup Its 1st Great Underdog Story
The tournament debutants went on to reach the knockout stage—at just over half a million people, the least populous nation to have ever achieved the feat.
Next, they meet defending champions Argentina.
Hoping they can pull off the ultimate upset is Daisy, who will be cheering them on in Shanghai with her fellow fans of the Blue Sharks—or Tubarões Azuis in Portuguese.
We caught up with the China-based Cape Verdean to find out more about the little island nation making big waves.
Daisy with the World Cup
What first brought you to China?
I’ve been living in China since 2017. I came as a language student, completed my bachelor’s degree here, and now run my own sourcing and trading company in Shanghai.
How many people from Cape Verde are there in Shanghai?
We are 17 Cape Verdeans in the city right now, according to our WeChat group, 'Shanghai CV Survivors.'
There are also many other Cape Verdeans living in different cities across China.
We don’t have a consulate in Shanghai, but we do have our embassy in Beijing.
Cheering on the Blue Sharks in The Shed
Where have you guys been watching the games?
So far, we’ve watched the games at The Shed and Cages.
The first game was incredibly emotional for us. People kept coming up asking, “Where are you from? What flag is this?”
The Cape Verde crew in Cages
When we said Cape Verde, many of them had never even heard of our country. And once they realized we were playing against Spain, they were shocked.
I remember in the second half, the entire place started paying attention to the match—even people who were just there to play pool or have a drink.
Blue Sharks' 40-year-old super keeper, Vozinha
They came over asking our goalkeeper’s name and were clapping every time he made a save. It was just amazing.
I even checked Vozinha’s social media during the match—he had around 340,000 followers at the time. By the end of the game, it had reached a million.
We couldn’t believe it.
Click above to see video
Were you guys as surprised as the rest of the world that Cape Verde did so well?
We weren’t as surprised as the rest of the world. We are proud, but we always knew that our team had been working hard for years.
Cape Verdeans grow up with football; it is part of our life. Football is like a magic box—you never really know what’s coming next.
The whole world told us, “Go there, have fun, take it as a holiday, and enjoy your luck.”
We took that 1% chance and added 99% faith—and here we are today.
Blue Sharks' Bubista winning African Coach of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards
What do you put the success down to?
This success would not have been possible without our coach Bubista. He is the pillar of everything, alongside the hard work, better organization, and players gaining experience in stronger leagues abroad.
The team has become more disciplined and confident.
Image via Instagram @ohhosports
Did you read about the Chinese businessman helping goalkeeper Vozinha’s mother attend the game?
I actually know the Chinese businessman, Lin Jie, through my parents, as they do business together on the island I am from back home.
When I saw the video, I shared it with him on WeChat and he replied, “佛得角火了” (“Cape Verde is trending / on fire”).
It was a really touching gesture. It shows how football brings people together beyond borders and how emotional the game can be.
And I truly believe such kindness is something you often find in China—people are very warm-hearted and willing to help.
Cape Verde fans at WhyNot外岛精酿餐吧 in Beijing
World Champions Argentina up next—do you dare to dream?
It is a huge challenge against the Argentina national football team, especially knowing we will be facing Messi.
They are World Champions, but we believe our team will fight hard, stay organized, and take whatever chances we get.
But for me, playing against Spain, Uruguay, and now reaching the knockout stage to face Argentina is already beyond what we could have imagined.
It shows the world what Cape Verde can do—that the impossible is possible—and that football will always surprise us.
As our national anthem says: "A esperança é do tamanho do mar que nos abraça”—meaning, “Hope is as big as the sea that embraces us."
Cape Verde fans outside WhyNot外岛精酿餐吧 in Beijing
What are your plans for the game?
The next game is on July 4, and our Independence Day is July 5, so we are planning to combine both moments and celebrate no matter the result.
We are already winners—history has been made for us.
China-based Cape Verde fans at the NRG Stadium in Houston for the World Cup game against Saudi Arabia
Are fans of other nations welcome to join you, and if so, what chants should they learn?
Everyone is welcome to join us, as long as it is with respect. Football is about sharing moments.
"Força, Tubarões Azuis!" "Stay strong, Blue Sharks!"
"No bai Cabo Verde!" "Let's go, Cape Verde!"
A China-based Cape Verde fan at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the historic World Cup draw against Spain
Cape Verde takes on Argentina at 6am Chinese time this Saturday, July 4.
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