Cape Verde: Unexpected World Cup success and partnership with Capelli Sport

The unexpected alliance between a brand seeking to break into the world football stage and a team that has become the darling of the tournament was a real surprise. Cape Verde, having started the World Cup with shocking draws against Spain and Uruguay, has become a symbol of hope for Capelli Sport, the American sportswear company. Capelli Sport has signed Serbia as its first national team in 2025, hoping a European team will take it to global level. However, when Serbia failed to qualify for the tournament, Capelli found itself looking for an alternative. And so, Cape Verde, an archipelago with a total area of ​​about 3.8 thousand square kilometers, qualified for the World Cup. Capelli Sport quickly contacted the team and within a few months an agreement was signed. For owner George Altiers, originally from Lebanon, it was the perfect partnership: a pair of underdogs, both teams in their first World Cup, with stories of faith and belonging. “It’s a dream, it’s impossible,” says Altiers. He believed that the story of their partnership would be visible to the whole world thanks to the rivals the Blue Sharks played against. Cape Verde surprised not one, but two World Cup-winning nations by starting their run with a 0-0 draw against Spain. The hero of the meeting was 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who became a professional only at the age of 25 and now plays in the second division of Portugal.In the next match, Cape Verde nearly defeated Uruguay, leading 1-0, but ended the match in a 2-2 draw. Now, the third-largest country in the World Cup by population has a chance to advance to the knockout stages with a result in the final group match against Saudi Arabia. “We are here to show that even a small country can compete with big teams,” Cape Verdean coach Bubista said at a press conference.

Altiers, who came to the United States in the 1980s on a student visa and built a successful career in an industry he had no idea about, believes history Cape Verde is exactly what he wants to tell. Since Capelli Sport's founding, the company has expanded significantly and by 2026, more than 450,000 youth footballers will be wearing Capelli Sport uniforms. Cape Verde's success at the World Cup was not only a huge moment for the team, but also an opportunity for Capelli Sport to showcase its products on a world stage where most teams are dressed by Nike, Adidas or Puma. Cape Verde unveiled their blue jerseys with a triangular pattern reflecting the rhythms between the islands. “We are a relatively small brand in the sport, but this is very cool and unique,” ​​added Altiers, looking forward to the team’s success at the tournament. Cape Verde will take on Saudi Arabia, with a win securing progress to the next round, possibly against Lionel Messi and Argentina.“We deserve this place and this is our opportunity to show that we can compete at the highest level,” said Cape Verdean player Pico Lopez after the draw with Uruguay.