Cabo Verde team profile – FIFA World Cup 2026
In the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico, we shine a spotlight on Cabo Verde.
FIFA World Ranking: 69
Confederation: CAF
Who is Cabo Verde’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Cabo Verde’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Pedro Brito, also known as ‘Bubista’. The former two-time assistant manager of the Cabo Verde national team has served head coach for the country he represented as a player since 2020.
Who is Cabo Verde’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Cabo Verde’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Ryan Mendes, who made his debut for the national team in 2010 and has since become his country’s most capped player and top goalscorer.
How many times have Cabo Verde participated in a FIFA World Cup before 2026?
None – 2026 will be Cabo Verde’s FIFA World Cup debut.
What is Cabo Verde’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
2026 will be Cabo Verde’s FIFA World Cup debut.
How did Cabo Verde qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Cabo Verde qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026 after finishing top of their group in the first round of CAF qualification. Teams were drawn into nine groups of six with Cabo Verde placed in Group D alongside the likes of Cameroon, Libya and Angola
After ten group games, Cabo Verde finished on 23 points with seven wins, two draws and one defeat. They scored 16 goals in the process including three in each of their final two group games.
Confirmation of Senegal’s FIFA World Cup qualification came on October 13, 2025 after a 3-0 win over Eswatini in the final round of games ensured that Cameroon could not catch them in Group D. Had they failed to win and Cameroon had beaten Angola, then Cameroon would’ve finished above Cabo Verde on goal difference.
Who are Cabo Verde’s star players?
Top scorer for Cabo Verde during qualifying with four goals, striker Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia) opened the scoring in his country’s all-important triumph over Eswatini to book their place at FIFA World Cup 2026. After making his senior international debut in 2024, Livramento had to wait until 2025 to score his first goal for Cabo Verde. Since then, he’s become a regular goalscorer for the Blue Sharks and poses arguably their biggest attacking threat heading into the tournament.
Whilst Livramento will be key in the box, Cabo Verde boast two wingers who also pose a significant goalscoring threat. Willy Semedo (Omonia) was on target in each of his side’s final two Group D games in qualifying, whilst long-time leader Ryan Mendes (Igdir) remains Cabo Verde’s biggest name player, having been capped over 95 times, scoring more than 20 goals.
Who is in Cabo Verde’s group at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Cabo Verde are in Group H, which consists of the following teams:
Spain
Cabo Verde
Saudi Arabia
Uruguay
Cabo Verde’s Group H fixtures are as follows:
Spain vs Cabo Verde: Monday June 15, 2026 – 12:00pm ET, 5:00pm UK
Uruguay vs Cabo Verde: Sunday June 21, 2026 – 6:00pm ET, 11:00pm UK
Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia: Friday June 26, 2026 – 8:00pm ET, 1:00am UK (Saturday)
All kick-off dates are based on a local kick-off time
Where is Cabo Verde’s base camp at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Waters Sportplex – Tampa, Florida
Expert prediction for Cabo Verde’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026
Cabo Verde arguably could not have asked for a tougher assignment for their first ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup. They open up against UEFA EURO 2024 winners Spain, who are one of the favourites to win FIFA World Cup 2026. The Blue Sharks then follow that up with a showdown vs Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay, who are often among one of the strongest South American nations to compete in this tournament.
Reaching FIFA World Cup 2026 on its own is a special achievement and has brought joy among the people of Cabo Verde. Bubista will no doubt have grand plans to make even more history, but the reality is that his squad are not equipped to cope with the quality of nations such as Spain and Uruguay. That’s not even taking into account Saudi Arabia, who defeated Argentina in the group stage of FIFA World Cup 2022. Any outcome other than finishing bottom of Group H for Cabo Verde, would be a huge surprise.
What round will Cabo Verde reach at FIFA World Cup 2026? Group Stage
