Forlan and Stoichkov Hail Cabo Verde and Congo DR's World Cup Feats

With the group stage of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 complete, two of football's most celebrated former strikers have saluted the tournament's most inspiring underdog stories: debutants Cabo Verde and Congo DR. Uruguay great Diego Forlan and FIFA Legend Hristo Stoichkov shared their admiration on the latest episode of the FIFA Podcast, praising both teams for defying expectations to reach the Round of 32.

Cabo Verde's Fairy Tale Debut

Cabo Verde, making their first World Cup appearance, finished as runners-up in Group H behind Spain, eliminating Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Stoichkov, who led Bulgaria to a historic fourth-place finish in 1994 and shared the adidas Golden Boot, called their run "phenomenal."

"What they've done is phenomenal. They're going to be facing Argentina [next], but so far, it's amazing, a fairy tale," Stoichkov said. "Cabo Verde are an organised, disciplined team. I watch their faces: they're very happy – the players, and the coach. This is very important."

Forlan, the 2010 World Cup adidas Golden Ball winner, noted that Cabo Verde have thrived without pressure. "They're enjoying it. I think they're enjoying the game. This is their first time, the first time they have qualified, as well, to the next phase. They are playing Argentina. They don't have anything to lose," he said. He highlighted the experience of players based in Portugal and the strong form of goalkeeper Vozinha.

Congo DR's Long-Awaited Return

Congo DR, whose only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974 as Zaire (three defeats, no goals), secured their spot via a Play-Off Tournament victory over Jamaica. They advanced from a group featuring Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan, finishing among the eight best third-placed teams to set up a Round of 32 meeting with England.

Stoichkov said he was not surprised by either team's success, attributing it to years of preparation. "I'm not surprised by Cabo Verde, I'm not surprised by Congo [DR], I'm not surprised by different [teams] in the World Cup because everybody has worked for this one big event," he explained. "Every four years you prepare for this big party at the World Cup."

Argentina Test Ahead

Cabo Verde face defending champions Argentina, led by World Cup record goalscorer Lionel Messi, at Miami Stadium on 3 July. Forlan acknowledged the difficulty but stressed the power of playing without fear. "I think it's going to be a very exciting game. Of course, it's going to be very difficult for them," he said. "Argentina are doing really well. [Lionel] Messi is in great shape, scoring goals, but when you don't have anything to lose and you're playing, you're enjoying it, you have a good team, you can play against anybody. Hopefully they can fight and they can make the game difficult for the opponent."

Regardless of the outcome, both Cabo Verde and Congo DR have already become symbols of what the most inclusive World Cup yet can achieve, proving that football's greenest participants can do far more than simply make up the numbers.