The African nation are the surprise package of the group phase. They capped their World Cup debut by holding favorites Spain to a goalless draw.
Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup: Roster, list, players and group stage schedule
Cape Verde entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the tournament’s ultimate fairy-tale stories, and so far, have lived up to the hype.
The “Blue Sharks”, who stunned everyone by topping their qualifying group ahead of African powerhouse Cameroon, made their historic debut against the mighty Spain - one of the big favorites to win the trophy. And they didn’t disappoint in the David and Goliath contest, holding the 2010 world champions to a 0-0 draw.
Managed by Bubista, the tiny Atlantic archipelago nation of just 600,000 people relies on a balanced blend of veteran grit and emerging youth. The squad is anchored by 40-year-old historic goalkeeper Vozinha and 36-year-old captain Ryan Mendes, the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer who remains their emotional and attacking reference point.
Alongside these veterans, Villarreal’s commanding center-back Logan Costa provides elite technical composure in defense, while 25-year-old forward Dailon Livramento—who led the team with four goals in qualifying—supplies the electric pace and clinical finishing needed to threaten Group H heavyweights Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
Goalkeepers:
- Vozinha
- Márcio da Rosa (Montana),
- Carlos Santos (San Diego)
Defenders:
- Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew)
- Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor),
- João Paulo Fernandes (FCSB),
- Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica),
- Logan Costa (Villarreal),
- Roberto Lopes (Shamrock Rovers),
- Kelvin Pires (SJK Seinäjoki),
- Ianique Tavares (Torreense),
- Edilson Borges (Al-Bataeh CSC)
Midfielders:
- Jamiro Monteiro (Zwolle),
- Telmo Arcanjo (Vitoria Guimarães),
- Yannick Semedo (Farense),
- Laros Duarte (Puskas AFC),
- Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets),
- Kevin Pina (Krasnodar)
Forwards:
- Ryan Mendes (Igdir FK),
- Willy Semedo (Omonia Nicosia),
- Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol),
- Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora),
- Nuno da Costa (Basaksehir FK),
- Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia),
- Gilson Benchimol (Akron Togliatti),
- Hélio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
Schedule and group for Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Monday, June 15: Cape Verde 0-0 Spain
Sunday, June 21: Uruguay vs Cape Verde
Friday, June 26: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
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