Praia, Cape Verde – The Government of Cape Verde has declared Monday, October 13, 2025, a public holiday as the nation rallies behind its national football team, the Blue Sharks, for a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Eswatini’s Sihlangu Semnikati.
This extraordinary measure was taken as a powerful show of national unity and support, with a victory in today’s match poised to secure Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup qualification. The kick-off is at 6pm. Eswatini is three hours ahead of Cape Verde.
The historic decision was announced by Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva, granting citizens an unprecedented day off to allow “everyone, without exception” to throw their weight behind the team in Santiago Island. In an official statement, the government “praised the national side’s remarkable campaign and urged unity in support of the team.
“We are a step away from a historic feat and the fans who have supported us throughout deserve to witness this moment with passion and pride,” the statement read. The declaration ensures that all government employees and staff in local authorities will be off, though essential services like the armed forces and police will maintain operations.
The match holds monumental significance for the island nation. Seated at the top of Group D with 20 points, just one point ahead of Cameroon and Mauritius, a win against Eswatini would guarantee Cape Verde a place in the global showcase. Head coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane of Eswatini acknowledged the gravity of the match for their opponents, stating, “They are looking forward to the match. Yes, we know it will not be easy but we will give it our best shot.”
While the Blue Sharks play for their World Cup dream, Eswatini enters the fray playing “purely for pride” having already been eliminated from contention. Eswatini’s recent performance, a thrilling 2-2 draw against Angola in their last match, demonstrates they remain a competitive force. However, for Cape Verde, today is about more than a single match, it’s about seizing a moment of national destiny, making the government’s declaration of a public holiday an ultimate expression of faith and fervent hope in their national heroes.
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