Football: The battle plan of Cape Verde ahead of the FIFA World Cup

Although they are in a very strong group D with Cameroon and Angola, Cape Verde finished first with a total of 23 points: 7 wins, 2 draws and one defeat. Since this historic qualification, the Requins Bleus, housed in Pool H with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, are intensifying their preparations.

Two targeted friendly matches for March 2026

Since qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, the Cape Verdean Federation chooses its friendly matches based on its opponents to face in group H. In November 2025, the Requins Bleus faced Iran (0-0) and Egypt (1-1). Two friendly meetings that allowed the technical staff to have an idea on Arab football and its requirements. This in view of its confrontation with Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup. 

The targeted friendly matches continue. During the international break in March, Cape Verde will play two teams that have practically the same profile as its first two opponents at the 2026 World Cup. Chile, on March 27, 2026, in view of the match against Uruguay and Finland (March 30), aiming for Spain, their first outing at the World Cup, on June 15. 

A reinforcement before the 2026 World Cup?

If the Cape Verdean Federation has already scheduled high-level friendly matches in order to prepare the team well, it could also strengthen the squad in the coming weeks. Ayoni Santos, the younger brother of Jamiro Monteiro, would now like to play for Cape Verde. According to information from ESPN NL, the 20-year-old midfielder has applied for a passport and hopes to be summoned this March. 

Born in Rotterdaam, the Netherlands, and originally from Cape Verde, Ayoni Santos plays for Sparta Rotterdam. This season, the 20-year-old midfielder played 20 games in all competitions for a goal and an assist. He could be called by the coach Bubista during the next international window.