Morning Sports Update
Cape Verde is one of the smallest nations to ever qualify for a World Cup.
Cape Verde fans cheer their team during a May friendly against Serbia played in Portugal. Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
June 4, 2026 | 10:04 AM
3 minutes to read
Cape Verde’s impromptu Boston welcome: Cape Verde made waves in 2025 by becoming one of the smallest nations to qualify for a World Cup. And as the archipelagic country’s team travel for the upcoming tournament, it received a warm welcome in Boston during a flight layover.
Fans greeted the “Blue Sharks” on the tarmac, sharing their enthusiasm for a country that has never been on the World Cup stage.
The team is still traveling — it does not play any games in the Boston area — but will be in Hartford for a friendly against Bermuda on Saturday, June 6.
There will also be a Cape Verde send-off celebration at Pawtucket’s Centreville Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Cape Verde begins its World Cup journey on June 15 against Spain in Atlanta.
The Blue Sharks will have to navigate a difficult path, facing Uruguay in its second game (before a final group stage matchup against Saudi Arabia).
Hi @fifaworldcup_pt, we arrived
Os Tubarões Azuis chegaram aos Estados Unidos, numa viagem de quase oito horas, de avião, e mais duas horas do aeroporto de Boston até Connecticut#CaboVerde | #TubarõesAzuis | #WeAreCaboVerde pic.twitter.com/PbuWBeD44r
— Federação Cabo-verdiana de Futebol (@fcfcomunica) June 3, 2026
Trivia: Going by population, what is the smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup?
(Answer at the bottom)
Hint: Like Cape Verde (which ranks second on the list), this country will make its tournament debut in 2026.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox defeated the Orioles 8-1 on Wednesday night. The two teams play the final game of the three-game set this afternoon at Fenway Park. First pitch is set for 1:35 p.m.
The Knicks won Game 1 of the NBA Finals, defeating the Spurs 105-95. Game 2 is set to tip off on Friday at 8:30 p.m.
Tonight, Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final gets underway in North Carolina at 8 p.m. The Golden Knights lead the Hurricanes 1-0 in the best-of-seven series.
More from Boston.com:
Game 1 highlights: The Knicks emerged victorious in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, rallying from a third quarter deficit to defeat the Spurs and take a 1-0 series lead.
On this day: In 1976, the Celtics overcame the Suns in three overtimes in Game 5 of the NBA Finals by a thrilling 128-126 scoreline. Multiple buzzer-beaters carried this instant classic along, with Jo Jo White pacing Boston with 33 points, nine assists, and six rebounds.
Daily highlight: Will Turner of the Portland Sea Dogs went all the way up to rob a home run on Wednesday in a 10-7 win over the Hartford Yard Goats. Turner also hit a home run, going 1-for-2 with two walks and three runs scored.
Will Turner robbing hits and breaking hearts ❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/V0x33VTLPj
— Portland Sea Dogs (@PortlandSeaDogs) June 3, 2026
Trivia answer: Curacao
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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