Before the World Cup, only the most devout geographer or soccer fan would recognize Cape Verde’s name and colors.
But after the small island nation’s soccer team tied Spain and pushed Argentina to the brink of elimination in a knockout game, the sunswept country is known all over the world.
For South Loop bartender Belmiro Barros III, the Blue Sharks’ story is a family dream come true.
The 58-year-old bartender at Pressbox has spent much of his life telling people about his family’s homeland. His grandfather, also named Belmiro, immigrated to the United States from Cape Verde but told his grandchildren it was their responsibility to keep the family’s heritage alive.
“He wanted the world to know that, although our islands were small, our people possessed extraordinary pride, resilience and heart,” Barros told the Tribune.
By the time a gritty, heart-filled Cape Verde squad exited the tournament with a 3-2 loss to powerhouse Argentina, the African squad had realized Barros’ grandfather’s dream:“The world now knows who we are,” he said.
Cape Verde, an archipelago off the western coast of Africa, earned its independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975. Barros’ grandfather was from Fogo, an island with a volcano.
To explain where his family’s homeland is located, Barros said he often lists islands near Spain and Portugal. When geographically challenged listeners start to lose focus, Barros likes to joke, “OK, you’ve heard of hurricanes? Unfortunately, all hurricanes start at Cape Verde.”
Barros’ grandfather settled in Marion, Massachusetts, an hour south of Boston, where he worked as a landscaper. Barros’ uncle served in the Navy.
The oldest of four children, Barros said he grew up on the East Coast, studied at Boston University and Northeastern University, then worked in finance. For a time, he was a trader in Hong Kong and later opened a sandwich and pizza shop in Cambodia that he has since sold.
“As a big fella, this is almost the same menu I grew up with in New England,” he previously told Cambodia Travel News. “Boston’s such a big college town so this is really good budget food.”
Barros first moved to Chicago in the 1990s and returned to the area about six years ago, he said.
Cape Verde’s entry into the 2026 World Cup was its first appearance in the quadrennial tournament to crown soccer’s champion. By escaping the first round of play, Cape Verde became the smallest nation by population to reach the tournament’s knockout stages.
Barros was excited when he heard about the team qualifying.
“I was guardedly optimistic,” he said. “I think that’s the best way to put it. Nothing like this ever happens to us, so I didn’t want to get over my skis.”
Fans throughout the world jumped on the Cape Verde bandwagon early in the tournament, sparked by the underdog’s resilience in a tie against Spain, one of the favorites to win it all.
“For us to hold them at bay, 0-0, that was a huge victory for us. And (I thought) ‘Do we dare to want more?’” he said.
After a 2-2 tie with Uruguay and another draw with Saudi Arabia, Barros said, “I don’t think my heart can take it.”
By the time Cape Verde faced Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champions captained by all-time great Lionel Messi, soccer fans found common cause in rooting for the underdog.
Barros was working the packed bar during the game. Alan Robinson and his wife, Marj Halperin, were at Pressbox for the match. Noticing Barros’ jersey, Robinson recalled telling him, “I know who you’re rooting for. I think that’s a Cabo Verde shirt.”
Barros replied by pulling a scarf representing the nation’s colors from his bag.
“He was a very friendly guy, but also a good bartender,” Robinson recalled. “He didn’t let the game take over from that. He paid attention, he was really happy when they scored, but he was doing his job.”
Cape Verde played an incredible game, forcing Argentina into extra time and matching the favored squad until they finally fell. Although he wanted the team to win, Barros said he was not disappointed by the defeat.
“Yes, we lost the game,” Barros said. “However, we won the world’s heart.”
To Barros, however, the tournament is a tribute to his grandfather, who he calls his hero. In a text message to his family after the game, Barros reflected on his namesake, and wrote of his grandfather: “Your dream came true.”
