Identity card
Nickname: The Blue Sharks
Federation: Cape Verdean Football Federation (FCF)
FIFA Ranking (May 2026): 69th in the world (13th in Africa)
Coach: Pedro Brito Leão, aka "Bubista" (53 years old, Cape Verde)
Iconic captain: Ryan Mendes (Iğdır FK)
History in the World Cup: First historic participation in 2026
The qualifying round: a monumental feat ahead of Cameroon
Placed in a particularly strong Group D of the African qualifiers with Cameroon, Angola, Libya, Eswatini and Mauritius, Cape Verde signed one of the biggest sensations on the continent. The Requins Bleus validated their ticket by finishing at the top of the group with 23 points, relegating the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to second place (19 points).
The secret of this qualification rests on an absolute sovereignty at home. At the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde in Praia, Bubista’s men achieved a perfect record: 5 games, 5 wins and no goals conceded.
The key moments: After a mixed start (0-0 against Angola and a heavy 4-1 loss in Yaoundé against Cameroon), Cape Verde started a fantastic series of 7 consecutive matches without defeat. The capital victory (1-0) in Praia against Cameroon and the authoritarian success (2-1) gleaned in Luanda thanks to a double of Dailon Livramento have shaped their destiny. The historic ticket was finally stamped on the 10th and last day in Praia, during a clear victory (3-0) against Eswatini, in front of a cheering people.
Focus on the Coach: Pedro "Bubista" Brito, the architect of stability
At 53 years old, Pedro Brito Leão, known as "Bubista", is the man who turned Cape Verdean football into another dimension. Former central defender and legendary captain of the national team, he took over the reins on 7 January 2020.
Enjoying a rare longevity on the African continent (more than 6 years in office), he was able to perpetuate the achievements of the brilliant 2023 AFCON to build an ultra-disciplined collective. Bubista has developed a winning culture based on defensive solidarity and speed of transition. His pragmatic and humble speech transcends his troops:
The 26 players for a historic World Cup
Unveiled on May 18, 2026, the list of Blue Sharks mixes historical frameworks from the glorious decade and integration of binational young talents from the strong Cape Verdean diaspora, notably in Portugal.
Keepers
Josimar Dias "Vozinha" (Chaves – Portugal)
Márcio da Rosa (Montana – Bulgaria)
Carlos Santos "CJ dos Santos" (San Diego – United States)
Defenders
Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew – USA)
Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor – Turkey)
João Paulo Fernandes (FCSB – Romania)
Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica – Portugal)
Logan Costa (Villarreal – Spain)
Roberto Lopes "Pico" (Shamrock Rovers – Ireland)
Kelvin Pires (SJK Seinäjoki – Finland)
Ianique Tavares "Stopira" (SC União Torreense – Portugal)
Edilson Borges "Diney" (Al-Bataeh – United Arab Emirates)
Midfielders
Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle – Netherlands)
Telmo Arcanjo (Vitória de Guimarães – Portugal)
Yannick Semedo (Farense – Portugal)
Laros Duarte (Puskás Akadémia FC – Hungary)
Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets Razgrad – Bulgaria)
Kevin Pina (FC Krasnodar – Russia)
Attackers
Ryan Mendes (Iğdır FK – Turkey)
Willy Semedo (Omonia Nicosia – Cyprus)
Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol – Cyprus)
Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora – Portugal)
Nuno da Costa (İstanbul Başakşehir – Turkey)
Dailon Rocha Livramento (Casa Pia – Portugal)
Gilson Benchimol (Akron Tolyatti – Russia)
Hélio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv – Israel)
Three players to watch
1. Ryan Mendes (Iğdır FK)
Iconic captain and most influential player in the modern history of the national team, the 36-year-old winger is giving himself a last legitimate dance on the biggest stage. His technical leadership, calm demeanor, and ability to dynamite the lower blocks with his dribbles will be crucial in guiding the group on a global scale.
2. Dailon Rocha Livramento (Casa Pia)
At 24 years old, the striker from Casa Pia was the great offensive artisan of the qualifying campaign with 4 decisive goals. Fast, powerful and a formidable finisher, he embodies the offensive revival of the Requins Bleus. His sense of purpose will be the main weapon of a Cape Verde often lethal in counterattack.
3. Logan Costa (Villarreal)
After a full season in the Spanish Liga, the great central defender is the Minister of Defense of Bubista. Victim of a ruptured cruciate ligaments in the summer of 2025, he led a heroic race against time to return to the field at the end of April 2026. Its physical presence and placement science stabilize the entire Cape Verdean system.
The probable model team (4-2-3-1)
Vozinha – S. Moreira, L. Costa, R. Lopes, J.P. Fernandes – K. Pina, J. Monteiro – R. Mendes, L. Duarte (or Jovane Cabral), G. Rodrigues – D. Livramento.
The group and the opponents at the World Cup (Group H)
The prize reserved a gala menu but extremely high for Cape Verde in Group H, mainly based in the United States.
Spain vs Cape Verde (Monday, June 15, 2026 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta): The absolute baptism of fire. For their first ever World Cup match, the Blue Sharks will challenge the Spanish Roja in the closed arena of Atlanta.
Uruguay vs Cape Verde (Sunday, June 21, 2026 – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami): A clash against the grinta of Celeste. Cape Verdeans will have to resist the physical challenge of South America in the heat of Florida.
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia (Friday, June 26, 2026 – NRG Stadium, Houston): The game targeted for history. Facing technical but more affordable Saudis on paper, the Blue Sharks will throw all their forces into the battle to snatch an unforgettable qualification in the last 16. She will necessarily go through a result in this match.