Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has stated that Nigeria's failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup is due to poor leadership and weak institutions. He made these comments in a statement on July 5, 2026, while also congratulating the African nations participating in the tournament.

Cape Verde has garnered attention during the expanded 48-team World Cup tournament, with many considering their performance a fairytale story despite their defeat. The island nation is celebrating what they perceive as a 'victory' in spirit, confounding expectations throughout the competition, according to Vanguard Sports.

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has commended Cape Verde for their fearless performance against Argentina during the 2026 World Cup. He described the display by the Blue Sharks as both inspiring and commendable.

Nigeria and Cape Verde are noted as the only African nations to have scored multiple goals against Argentina in a World Cup match, highlighting their unique historical connection in the tournament's context. This shared achievement underscores their performances on the world stage.

Despite a record nine African teams reaching the World Cup Round of 32, seven were eliminated, highlighting the challenges faced by African teams in advancing in the tournament. The reasons behind the frequent stalling of African World Cup hopes are explored, particularly in light of recent performances, including those of Cape Verde.

Cape Verde's World Cup team returned to their hotel in Miami Gardens after being eliminated from the tournament, greeted by a cheering crowd despite their loss. This reception signifies a shift in how the team is perceived and suggests that their journey in the tournament has had a lasting impact on the nation and its supporters, according to AP.