Cape Verde national football team will make its historic FIFA World Cup debut in 2026 with a squad built on experience, pace, and the belief that it can challenge some of football’s biggest nations.
Head coach Bubista has unveiled a 26-man squad for what will be the most significant tournament in the country’s football history. The Blue Sharks arrive at the World Cup with growing confidence after establishing themselves as one of Africa’s most disciplined and dangerous counterattacking sides.
The squad combines experienced national team veterans with an emerging generation of players making their mark across Europe and beyond. Veterans such as goalkeeper Vozinha, captain Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, and Stopira are expected to provide leadership throughout the tournament.
At 39, Vozinha remains a central figure both on and off the pitch. He will be supported in goal by Marcio Rosa and CJ dos Santos, who currently plays in the United States.
Defensively, Bubista has selected a group that blends physicality with international experience. Logan Costa, who has impressed with Villarreal CF, is expected to play a key role despite recently recovering from an ACL injury. Roberto Lopes adds leadership and consistency, while Steven Moreira of Columbus Crew offers energy from wide areas.
The experienced Stopira, now 37, remains another important presence in defence. The back line is completed by Sidny Cabral, Wagner Pina, Kelvin Pires, João Paulo, and Edilson Borges, giving the squad depth and balance.
Midfield could prove decisive for Cape Verde, especially against stronger possession-based opponents. Brothers Deroy Duarte and Laros Duarte bring mobility and work rate, while Jamiro Monteiro of PEC Zwolle offers composure and experience.
Kevin Pina, Yannick Semedo, and Telmo Arcanjo provide athleticism and versatility as Bubista prepares his side to transition quickly from defence into attack.
The forward line may be where Cape Verde poses its greatest threat. Captain Ryan Mendes and Garry Rodrigues remain the team’s most influential attacking players, capable of producing moments of quality against elite opposition. They are joined by Nuno da Costa, Jovane Cabral, Dailon Livramento, Gilson Benchimol, Willy Semedo, and Hélio Varela, giving the Blue Sharks multiple attacking options.
For Cape Verde, the tournament represents far more than a debut appearance. It is an opportunity for one of Africa’s smallest football nations to prove it can compete on the global stage against some of the sport’s traditional powers.
Placed in Group H, Cape Verde opens its World Cup campaign on June 15 in Atlanta against Spain national football team, winners of the 2010 World Cup. Six days later, the Blue Sharks travel to Miami to face the two-time world champions Uruguay national football team. Their final group-stage match will take place on June 26 in Houston against Saudi Arabia national football team.
The top two teams in each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage. For Cape Verde, the journey to the World Cup has already made history — now the Blue Sharks will attempt to create even more on football’s biggest stage.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Carlos dos Santos (San Diego), Marcio Rosa (Montana 1921), Vozinha (Chaves).
Defenders: Sidny Cabral (Benfica), Diney Borges (Al Bataeh), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Roberto Lopes (Shamrock Rovers), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), Kelvin Pires (SJK Seinajoki), Stopira (Torreense).
Midfielders: Telmo Arcanjo (Vitoria Guimaraes), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), Laros Duarte (Puskas Akademia), Joao Paulo Fernandes (Otelul Galati), Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Kevin Pina (FK Krasnodar), Yannick Semedo (Farense).
Forwards: Gilson Benchimol (Akron Tolyatti), Jovane Cabral (Estrela da Amadora), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Ryan Mendes (Igdir), Nuno da Costa (Istanbul Basaksehir), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Willy Semedo (Omonia Nicosia), Helio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv).