Overview:
Arguably one of the most improved sides in African football over the last decade, Cape Verde will look to make history from a tough group that has ex-champions Spain and Uruguay as well as perennial participants Saudi Arabia in Group H
One of the smallest nations at this year’s World Cup will be Cape Verde, an African nation that got rewards from the expansion of the global event.
The qualification to the global event is a huge milestone to the less than a million people of the nation on 4,000 square kilometers of land.
Arguably one of the most improved sides in African football over the last decade, Cape Verde will look to make history from a tough group that has ex-champions Spain and Uruguay as well as perennial participants Saudi Arabia in Group H
Head coach – Pedro Leitao Brito alias Bubista
Pedro Leitao Brito, better known as Bubista will be one of the longest serving managers at the World Cup after getting appointed in 2020.
The former international who captained the Cape Verde national team as well had a decent career playing in Angola, Spain and Portugal.
Since his appointment six years ago, he has transformed the national team with consistent qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations and now achieved the heights only he could dream of as a player for a national team that started in 1978, just three years after the nation’s Independence.
Cabo Verde have enjoyed a meteoric rise under his leadership, culminating in their historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Bubista brought an identity to the national team that is based on being hard to beat but also playing exciting football as shown in the successful qualification campaign through strong defensive organisation, discipline, tactical versatility and a very strong ability to counter-attack.
How they qualified
Their qualification came at the expense of Cameroon, the first African nation to play in the quarter final of the global showpiece.
Their excellent home form in which they won all five matches, keeping as many clean sheets was the cornerstone of the campaign.
From a tough group that also had Angola, Eswatini, Libya and Mauritius on top of the Indomitable Lions, they finished top with 23 points, four ahead of the 1990 quarter finalists – scored 16 goals and conceded just 8.
History at World Cup
They are here to make history as this is their maiden qualification.
- First World Cup: 2026
- World Cup appearances: 1 (2026)
Group H fixtures, stadiums and kick off times [EAT]
- June 15: vs Spain – Atlanta stadium 7pm
- June 22: vs Uruguay – Miami stadium 1am
- June 27: vs Saudi Arabia – Houston stadium 3am
The Cape Verde Squad for the 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers
Vozinha, Marcio Rosa, CJ dos Santos
Defenders
Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral, Logan Costa, Steven Moreira, Wagner Pina, Joao Paulo, Fernandes Roberto ‘Pico’, Lopes Kelvin Pires, Ianique ‘Stopira’ Tavares
Midfielders
Telmo Arcanjo, Laros Duarte, Deroy Duarte, Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Yannick Semedo
Forwards
Gilson Benchimol, Jovane Cabral, Nuno da Costa, Dailon Livramento, Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, Willy Semedo, Helio Varela
