Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa with a population of over half a million people, made a strong impression at the 2026 World Cup. Despite their loss to reigning champions Argentina, the small team earned the world's admiration.

Interest in Cape Verde surged before the 4/7 match, as platforms like Expedia, TUI, and Google all reported a sudden increase in searches for the destination.

The island nation of Cape Verde primarily attracts European tourists. Photo: Menzel Travel.

The island nation of Cape Verde primarily attracts European tourists. Photo: Menzel Travel.

Chinese travelers flocked to search for Cape Verde travel information. According to data from Trip.com, one of China's largest online travel platforms, by the end of June, searches for Cape Verde had increased by 388% compared to the same period last year, and by 852% compared to the previous month. Flight bookings to Cape Verde rose by 76%. Hotel bookings increased by 46% compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, data from Tongcheng Travel showed that within just 24 hours after the match between Argentina and Cape Verde on 4/7, searches for tourist attractions in Cape Verde increased by over 200% compared to the previous week. Users from Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shandong showed the most interest. Demand for West African tours also surged, especially combined itineraries such as: Cape Verde and Lisbon (Portugal).

Data from HopeGoo, a travel platform under Tongcheng Travel, also indicated that searches for flights from Hong Kong to Cape Verde via Europe increased 12 times compared to the previous week.

Chinese actress Ma Sichun shared on social media: "I truly wish to visit Cape Verde one day to see with my own eyes this small nation with a will far greater than its size."

"Football has never been just for the winners. I know my heart belongs to Argentina, but I still cried seeing Vozinha repeatedly make spectacular saves, or when Sidny Lopes Cabral scored a beautiful goal. That was a moment encapsulating all the beauty of this memorable team," she wrote.

Currently, Cape Verde welcomes about 1,2 million tourists each year, mainly European visitors purchasing all-inclusive resort packages. The World Cup's appeal could help Cape Verde diversify its tourist market, which has long relied on Europe. Tourism now contributes about one-fourth of the nation's GDP, with most revenue coming from European tourists and concentrated on just hai of its 9 inhabited islands.

Most tourists book all-inclusive resort packages through corporations like TUI or Spain's Melia. This means that much of the tourist spending remains with foreign businesses, rather than flowing directly into the local economy.

Google search volume for Cape Verde in the US.

Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, known as a resort destination with a pleasant climate, diverse natural landscapes, and unique cultural identity. Cape Verde belongs to the Macaronesia archipelago – also known as the "Fortunate Islands" – along with Madeira, Canary, and Azores. These archipelagos are famous for their volcanic terrain and distinct Atlantic ecosystems.

The Cape Verde national team received a heroic welcome from thousands of fans upon their return home on Sunday (5/7), after their World Cup journey.

Fans with national flags greeted the players as they landed at the airport in the capital, Praia. Residents lined both sides of the road as the team traveled in an open-top bus to Quebra Canela beach for a celebration.

5/7 also marked Cape Verde's National Day, further enhancing the festive atmosphere. The "Blue Sharks" team, along with coach Bubista, danced on stage to lively music, with a sign reading "Obrigado! Cabo Verde" (Thank you! Cape Verde).

Tam Anh (according to Global Times, Marketwatch)