The Blue Sharks Make History With Their First-Ever World Cup Appearance
Cape Verde
FIFA World Cup 2026 Team Profile
Cape Verde will play at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history. For an island nation of around half a million people, qualification for the 2026 tournament represents one of the most inspiring stories in world soccer.
The Blue Sharks arrive in North America with unity, tactical discipline and the belief of a country — and a global diaspora — behind them.
Cape Verde at the FIFA World Cup
- Confederation: CAF
- First appearance: 2026
- World Cup appearances: 1
- Best result: Debut in 2026
- Head coach: Bubista
- Nickname: The Blue Sharks
Head Coach: Bubista
Pedro Leitão Brito, known as Bubista, is one of the defining figures in Cape Verdean football. A former national-team captain and defender, he took charge of the Blue Sharks in 2020 with the mission of turning long-held dreams into reality.
Under his leadership, Cape Verde built a competitive identity based on defensive organization, tactical discipline and fast transitions — qualities that powered the nation to its first-ever World Cup qualification.
Road to World Cup 2026
Cape Verde topped a difficult CAF qualifying group ahead of traditional powers Cameroon and Angola. Their home form proved decisive: five wins from five matches in Praia without conceding a single goal.
Qualification was sealed on the final matchday with a 3-0 victory over Eswatini, confirming one of the most historic achievements in African football.
World Cup 2026 Group Stage Schedule
- June 15: Spain vs Cape Verde — Atlanta Stadium
- June 21: Uruguay vs Cape Verde — Miami Stadium
- June 26: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia — Houston Stadium
World Cup History
Cape Verde’s World Cup history is still being written. The 2026 tournament will mark the country’s first appearance on the biggest stage in international soccer.
The achievement reflects decades of growth since the national team’s journey began after independence, as Cape Verde gradually built a stronger football culture at home and across its diaspora.
Star Player: Ryan Mendes
Captain Ryan Mendes is one of the symbols of Cape Verde’s rise. His experience, leadership and connection with the national project make him a central figure as the Blue Sharks prepare for their first World Cup.
Memorable World Cup Moment
Cape Verde’s greatest World Cup moment came before the tournament even began: the final whistle against Eswatini in Praia, when the Blue Sharks officially qualified for the first time.
2026 Outlook
Cape Verde arrives as a debutant but not as a team to be underestimated. With defensive discipline, strong chemistry and national belief, the Blue Sharks will look to surprise Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group G.
CAPE VERDE
Goalkeepers
- #1 Vozinha (GD Chaves, Portugal)
- #12 Márcio Rosa (FC Montana, Bulgaria)
- #23 Carlos dos Santos (San Diego FC, United States)
Defenders
- #2 Stopira (SCU Torreense, Portugal)
- #3 Diney Borges (Al Bataeh Club, United Arab Emirates)
- #4 Roberto Lopes “Pico” (Shamrock Rovers, Republic of Ireland)
- #5 Logan Costa (Villarreal CF, Spain)
- #8 João Paulo Fernandes (FC CSKA 1948, Bulgaria)
- #13 Sidny Lopes Cabral (SL Benfica, Portugal)
- #22 Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew, United States)
- #24 Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
- #25 Kelvin Pires (FK IMT, Serbia)
Midfielders
- #6 Kevin Pina (FC Krasnodar, Russia)
- #7 Jovane Cabral (CF Estrela da Amadora, Portugal)
- #10 Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle, Netherlands)
- #14 Deroy Duarte (PFC Ludogorets Razgrad, Bulgaria)
- #15 Laros Duarte (Puskás Akadémia, Hungary)
- #16 Yannick Semedo (SC Farense, Portugal)
- #18 Telmo Arcanjo (Vitória SC, Portugal)
Forwards
- #9 Gilson Benchimol (FC Akron Togliatti, Russia)
- #11 Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol, Cyprus)
- #17 Willy Semedo (AC Omonia, Cyprus)
- #19 Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia AC, Portugal)
- #20 Ryan Mendes (Iğdır FK, Turkey)
- #21 Nuno da Costa (Başakşehir, Turkey)
- #26 Hélio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel)
Head Coach
- Bubista (Cape Verde)
