Faroe Islands have earned Europe's admiration.

The Faroe Islands (in white shirts) caused a major upset in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

If someone were to say that a team with a population only equal to that of a small ward in Hanoi could beat the Czech Republic and dream of the World Cup, many would laugh. But that's exactly what's happening in the Faroe Islands – a tiny land in the North Atlantic, where football is becoming a symbol of resilience and extraordinary ambition.

In the early hours of October 13th, the Faroe Islands achieved one of the greatest victories in their history: defeating the Czech Republic 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Their opponent, ranked 97 places higher in the FIFA rankings, boasted a squad of players competing in England, Germany, and Italy, while the Faroe Islands only had part-time workers – electricians, fishermen, and teachers – representing the national team. But it was they, with their fearless spirit, who earned the respect of all of Europe.

This victory also marked Faroe's fourth win in the qualifying campaign, including three consecutive wins, one of which was a 4-0 thrashing of Montenegro. From a team once considered "underdogs," they are now just one point behind the Czech Republic and still have a slim chance, however small, of reaching the World Cup play-offs – something unprecedented in the history of their football.

This is a miraculous leap forward for a footballing nation that once had to play on artificial turf and train amidst howling sea winds. From 2009 to 2014, the Faroe Islands won only 2 out of 35 international matches, even losing to the Thailand U21 team.

But over the last 10 years, they have completely transformed their image: investing heavily in stadiums, youth training systems, and coach development programs. The Faroe Islands Football Federation (FSF) also encourages domestic clubs to maintain a semi-professional model, creating conditions for players to have stable careers while training in a gradually professionalizing environment.

That investment is bearing fruit. Not only the national team, but also the Faroe Islands U21 team won 3 out of 4 Euro U21 qualifying matches, an unprecedented achievement. They are becoming a living example of how a small nation can build sporting pride based on a solid system, rather than waiting for miracles.

Currently, the Faroe Islands have a population of 55,000. But on the football field, they are making headlines across Europe. International media are calling this "the most historic week in Faroe Islands sports," as football – not handball or rowing – is the sport that has brought this small nation to the world stage .

Of course, Faroe Islands' chances of qualifying for the World Cup are now only about 0.1%. In their final match, they have to play away against Croatia, the group leaders, while the Czech Republic only needs to win against Gibraltar - the weakest team in the group, with no points yet. But whatever the outcome, Faroe Islands' journey has already been a great moral victory.

From being considered a "team learning from experience," the Faroe Islands have now become a formidable opponent. They not only defend resolutely but also organize coherent attacks, press aggressively, and dare to dream big. In an era where modern football is dominated by money and fame, the story of the Faroe Islands – a team of humble working-class people – reminds us that heart and belief remain the greatest strength on the pitch.

The Faroe Islands may not have made it to the World Cup, but they have touched the hearts of fans around the world. And even with just a 0.1% chance, they seized it with all the pride of a small but great nation in the spirit of sportsmanship.