Interim Bermuda coach John Barry Nusum has drawn inspiration from the stunning starts made by Cape Verde and Democratic Republic of Congo at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

World Cup debutants Cape Verde sent shock waves around the globe after holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw while DR Congo, who are making their second appearance in the tournament, drew 1-1 with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in their opening group match.

Nusum said the countries are an inspiration for smaller countries such as Bermuda and prove what can be achieved with the proper planning, preparation and determination.

“Watching Cape Verde and DR Congo do what they are doing and getting that first point on the board is massive — it’s been beautiful to watch,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“You are seeing a lot of the smaller nations boxing with these massive nations, so for a country like us we can look at it and say that if we get our full-term plan right, hit all the points we need to hit and tick all the little boxes, it can happen for a small country to get in.

“What it’s showing is any given day, any team can punch with some of these heavyweights if they are prepared for it, ready for it and up for the fight. That Cape Verde game and the Congo game, you could see just how much they are willing to fight for it and they are putting everything on the line.

“That’s beautiful to see and I think this generation needs to see those type of teams being involved in the World Cup and competing with these bigger nations. It’s no longer just a pipe dream and is slowly becoming a reality that these countries are not far off.”

Nusum got a first-hand look at both nations in Bermuda’s 2-0 defeat by DR Congo and 3-0 loss to Cape Verde in two friendlies in the build-up to the World Cup.

“For us it’s a blessing that we were able to be part of their preparation,” he said.

“We learnt more about ourselves, so hopefully we can start taking some of that into our Gold Cups and looking further on into the next World Cup phase. But we need to make sure that we are preparing the way that we need to because it’s not by luck that those teams are there.”

Interim assistant coach Jarreau Hayward feels Bermuda held their own against opponents destined for the World Cup.

“We are proud to have been a part of Cape Verde’s and DR Congo’s World Cup preparation,” he said.

“I thought in both friendlies we were not millions of miles off and were able to hang with them for long stretches.

“Obviously we have to continue to improve and have a way to go, but it bodes well for our tiny country that we were able to compete with two World Cup sides with a young team and without several of our professionals.

“I jokingly said we'll take credit for Cape Verde's point versus Spain as their game model was similar to ours against them. But in reality, it felt good knowing we set a solid foundation within the group and hopefully we can continue to grow as a nation in this game we love.”

Fellow assistant coach Danté Leverock also hailed Cape Verde’s and DR Congo’s performances against Spain and Portugal.

“That’s why the World Cup was expanded, to give so-called smaller nations opportunities to test themselves against giants of the football world,” he said.

“You saw Cape Verde put in a great defensive masterclass against Spain and then DR Congo produced a great performance against a favourite like Portugal.”

Leverock is delighted to see Bermuda gaining more exposure by playing against World Cup opposition and other top countries in the region.

“For the past two years we have been playing top teams and then two friendlies against Congo and Cape Verde, two World Cup teams, so that’s a massive learning opportunity for Bermuda as a nation,” he said.

“We had a young group against Congo and Cape Verde, basically an under-24 group with one or two older guys, so the learning curve for them would be quick and sharp but it’s all preparation for the Nations League.

“We want to perform well in that. I think it’s a must and long overdue to really perform well in Nations League and give a good showing for the country, so this is all learning for them and the coaching staff.

“We are preparing now, getting things in order to prepare for Nations League as well, and it’s encouraging to see.”