Photos by Scott Groult
Over 350 miles off the African mainland, Cape Verde’s stunning archipelago—its turquoise waters, savannah, colorful villages, and volcanic scenery—offers a unique blend of its mother continent, Brazil, and the Caribbean. Above all though, they are home to warm, friendly people, and some of the most soulful soccer fanatics on the planet.
“What struck me most about Cape Verde is how organic soccer feels there,” says Scott Groult, a French photographer who has spent considerable time on the islands. “Soccer is not structured the same way as many other places—it’s really embedded in daily life. The pitches aren’t just for playing, they’re social places where the whole community gathers.”
Without major soccer infrastructure and only a small local pro league, Cape Verde stunned the world by qualifying for its first World Cup in 2026. This June, its national team will bring its home country’s joy across the Atlantic and into global soccer history.
**This is an exclusive glimpse at Issue 06. To see the whole World Cup Issue in print, snag your copy here.**
