Cape Verde's 2026 World Cup squad: historic debut kicks off against Spain

⚡ Key points AI generated

Cabo Verde will play their first World Cup in 2026 after seven failed attempts, making their historic debut against España on 15 June in the Spanish group
Ryan Mendes, captain at 36 years old, will play his first and only World Cup as the top scorer (22 goals) and player with the most matches (94) in the country's history
With 525,000 inhabitants, Cabo Verde is the third smallest nation to play a World Cup, with a squad mostly composed of players from the Cabo Verde diaspora in Europe

Cabo Verde is the feel-good story of the 2026 World Cup and, what's more, it hits close to home for Spain: the Blue Sharks kick off Spain's group on 15 June. An archipelago of half a million inhabitants, making their first World Cup after seven failed attempts. Proper storybook stuff.

🌟 Ryan Mendes (Iğdır FK) is the captain and a legend: all-time top scorer (22) and player with the most caps (94) in the country's history. At 36, this is his first and only World Cup.

🇪🇸 LaLiga connection: centre-back Logan Costa (Villarreal), born in Paris and regarded as their best player, arrives after snapping his cruciate in July and making his comeback in mid-May. One of Bubista's gambles.

⚽ The goals come from Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), the hero of their qualification campaign. Most of the squad comes from the massive Cape Verdean diaspora across Europe.

🏝️ With 525,000 inhabitants, Cabo Verde is the third smallest nation to play in a World Cup. After seven failed attempts, the Blue Sharks fulfil their dream and make their debut against none other than Spain.

📋 Full squad · Manager: Pedro 'Bubista' Leitão Brito

🧤 Goalkeepers

Vozinha (Chaves, vice-captain), Márcio Rosa (Montana), CJ dos Santos (San Diego FC)

🛡️ Defenders

Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), João Paulo (FCSB), Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Roberto 'Pico' Lopes (Shamrock Rovers), Kelvin Pires (SJK), Stopira (Torreense), Diney (Al Bataeh)

⚙️ Midfielders

Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Telmo Arcanjo (Vitória SC), Yannick Semedo (Farense), Laros Duarte (Puskás Akadémia), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar)

⚽ Forwards

Ryan Mendes (Iğdır FK, captain), Willy Semedo (Omonia), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Jovane Cabral (Estrela da Amadora), Nuno da Costa (Başakşehir), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Gilson Benchimol (Akron), Hélio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv)

🏆 Group H

⚽ Opponents: Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia

⚽ Don't miss a single minute

Watch all of Cabo Verde's matches here

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Frequently asked questions

Who is the Cape Verde manager for the 2026 World Cup?

Pedro "Bubista" Leitão Brito is the Cape Verde manager for the 2026 World Cup.

Which group is Cape Verde in at the 2026 World Cup?

Cape Verde is in Group H at the 2026 World Cup, alongside Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

How many players does Cape Verde call up for the 2026 World Cup?

Cape Verde names a squad of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup, in line with the FIFA format established for the tournament.

Where does Cape Verde play its matches at the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Cape Verde plays in Group H against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Cabo Verde Convocatoria Mundial 2026 Debut Ryan Mendes Logan Costa Grupo H España

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