The Cape Verdean national football team, known as the Tubaroes Azuis (Blue Sharks), head to the WC 2026 as the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament, making their historic debut. Drawn in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde will look to make their mark on the tournament. With the expanded 48-team format offering more opportunities than ever before, Cape Verde will be looking to take full advantage. The competition kicks off on 11 June and runs through 19 July across 16 stadiums in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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How Cape Verde Qualified for WC 2026
Cape Verde qualified through the CAF Group D, finishing in 1st with 23 points (7-2-1). Secured their first-ever the tournament qualification by beating Eswatini 3-0 at home in their final group match on October 13, 2025.
The qualifying campaign demonstrated the squad's resilience and competitive spirit. Under coach Pedro Leitão Brito, Cape Verde showed they have the quality to compete on the world stage. The FCF has invested in developing talent at all levels, and this the tournament represents the culmination of that work.
"Qualifying for the tournament was our primary objective. Now we want to show the world what Cape Verdean football is all about."
- Pedro Leitão Brito
Cape Verde's journey to the tournament reflects the growing competitiveness of international football. With the expanded 48-team format providing more places than ever, the tournament in North America represents an opportunity for Cape Verde to showcase their talent against the very best in the world. The team's supporters will be hoping for memorable performances across the group stage.
The qualification was a significant milestone for the Federação Caboverdiana de Futebol. Playing in the CAF confederation, Cape Verde demonstrated they have the quality and depth to compete on the biggest stage in world football.
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Beyond the outright winner market, several betting options stand out for Cape Verde. The to qualify from group market offers the most accessible entry point. Individual match results, correct score and anytime goalscorer bets provide more targeted opportunities for each group match. Consider total goals over/under markets and both teams to score for added variety.
How Far Can Cape Verde Go? Realistic Expectations
While qualifying for their first the tournament is a historic achievement, it is highly improbable for Cape Verde to win the WC 2026. Their focus will likely be on gaining valuable experience and performing competitively on their debut.
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Cabo Verde's Squad for WC 2026
Cabo Verde's final 26-man squad was announced by coach Pedro Bubista ahead of the tournament. Below is the full squad plus selected profiles on key players.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Goalkeepers
Vozinha
40 - GD Chaves
Vastly experienced shot-stopper, the senior figure between the sticks. Currently at GD Chaves, age 40.
Marcio Rosa
29 - PFC Montana
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at PFC Montana, age 29.
Cj Dos Santos
25 - San Diego FC
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at San Diego FC, age 25.
Defenders
Stopira
38 - SCU Torreense
Defensive leader who has seen it all at international level, expected to organise the back line. Currently at SCU Torreense, age 38.
Kelvin Pires
26 - SJK
Solid defender in his peak years, a regular starter for club and country. Currently at SJK, age 26.
Wagner Pina
23 - Trabzonspor
Emerging defender pushing into the senior set-up, athletic and reading the game well. Currently at Trabzonspor, age 23.
Midfielders
Garry Rodrigues
35 - Apollon Limassol
Senior midfielder bringing tempo and game-management to the squad. Currently at Apollon Limassol, age 35.
Laros Duarte
29 - Puskás Akadémia FC
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at Puskás Akadémia FC, age 29.
Helio Varela
24 - Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC, age 24.
Forwards
Ryan Mendes
36 - Iğdır FK
Experienced forward whose finishing instinct remains the squad's main goal threat. Currently at Iğdır FK, age 36.
Dailon Livramento
25 - Casa Pia AC
Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at Casa Pia AC, age 25.
Gilson Benchimol
24 - FC Akron Tolyatti
Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at FC Akron Tolyatti, age 24.
Last 5 Matches: Cape Verde's Recent Form
| Date | Match | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 29, 2026 | Cape Verde vs. Finland | 1-1 (W) W | International Series - Group Stage |
| March 26, 2026 | Cape Verde vs. Chile | 2-4 L | International Series - Group Stage |
| November 17, 2025 | Cape Verde vs. Egypt | 1-1 (L) L | Friendly |
| November 13, 2025 | Cape Verde vs. IR Iran | 0-0 (L) L | Friendly |
| October 13, 2025 | Cape Verde vs. Eswatini | 3-0 W | European Qualifiers |
Cape Verde in Group H: Schedule and Stadiums
Cape Verde have been drawn in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia.
| Match | Date | Stadium | CEST | EEST | BRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain vs. Cape Verde | Sun 15 Jun | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | 18:00 | 19:00 | 13:00 |
| Uruguay vs. Cape Verde | Sat 21 Jun | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami | 00:00 | 01:00 | 19:00 |
| Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia | Thu 26 Jun | NRG Stadium, Houston | 02:00 | 03:00 | 21:00 |
In the expanded WC 2026 format, the top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32, with the eight best third-placed teams also qualifying. This means Cape Verde have multiple pathways to reach the knockout rounds, making every point in the group stage valuable.
Head-to-Head: Cape Verde vs. Group H Opponents
Cape Verde vs. Spain: Limited competitive history between these teams. Both will be looking to pick up points.
Cape Verde vs. Uruguay: Limited competitive history between these teams. Both will be looking to pick up points.
Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia: Limited competitive history between these teams. Both will be looking to pick up points.
Cape Verde's Head Coach for WC 2026
Pedro Leitão Brito (Cape Verdean, born 1970) has been in charge since Jan 2020. Managed domestic Cape Verdean clubs Mindelense, Académica do Mindelo, Sporting Clube da Praia, and Batuque. Led Cape Verde to 2021 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications, reaching quarterfinals His tactical approach: Bubista's tactical style is based on being hard to beat, with strong defensive organization, discipline, tactical versatility, and effective counter-attacking. His record with Cape Verde stands at 21-10-12.
The Greatest Cape Verde Coaches in History
Pedro Brito 'Bubista' (2020-present): The man who masterminded Cape Verde's historic qualification. Built a team on defensive discipline, collective spirit and an unshakeable belief that this tiny island nation belongs on the biggest stage.
Lucio Antunes (2010-2014): Led Cape Verde to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2013, putting the tiny island nation on the continental football map.
For more information about Cape Verde's football history, visit CAF.
Cape Verde's Official Kits for WC 2026
Cape Verde's WC History and Records
Cape Verde have appeared at 1 the tournament(s) in the history of the tournament. Their best finish was Debut.
1
WC appearances
Debut
Best finish
0
Titles
Cape Verde at the 2022 World Cup
Cape Verde did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Memorable WC Moments
Memorable WC Moments
Their historic qualification for the WC 2026 marks their first-ever appearance at the global tournament.
Becoming the second-smallest nation by population and smallest by area to qualify for the tournament is a significant achievement.
Key Statistics
Cape Verde's all-time top scorer is Ryan Mendes, 22 goals.. The most capped player is Ryan Mendes, 96 caps.. 1 appearance (2026).
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