For the first time in its history, the Cape Verde archipelago will participate in the Football World Cup. With barely half a million inhabitants, the country of the “blue sharks” will be one of the smallest nations to participate in the 2026 World Cup. A historic moment for the archipelago, mobilized like never before to prepare for this competition. But also a breath of hope in the popular neighborhoods of Praia, the capital, where football has become an escape for neglected youth. Report by Simon Martin and Sarah Sakho.