Cabo Verde defied odds to qualify for their first ever FIFA World Cup tournament, but what more should the world expect from the Atlantic Ocean archipelago from the West coast of Africa?
With a population of just over half a million people, Cabo Verde is one of the smallest nations to ever play at the FIFA World Cup.
Qualifying for the tournament is a culmination of years of steady rise for the West African country.
The Blue Sharks have qualified for four of the last six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and reached the quarter-finals twice, establishing themselves as a consistent presence on the continental stage.
With Cabo Verde placed in Group H alongside heavyweights Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, how far can they go at their debut tournament?
Quick facts
- Captain: Ryan Mendes
- Manager: Pedro “Bubista” Brito
- World Cup appearances (including 2026): 1
- Best World Cup result: N/A
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Cabo Verde’s full squad
Goalkeepers: Josimar Dias “Vozinha” (Chaves), 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 “Pico” (Shamrock Rovers), Kelvin Pires (SJK), Ianique Tavares “Stopira” (Torreense), Edilson Borges “Diney” (Al Bataeh)
Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Telmo Arcanjo (Vitória de Guimarães), Yannick Semedo (Farense), Laros Duarte (Puskás Akadémia), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets Razgrad), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar)
Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Iğdır), Willy Semedo (Omonia), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora), Nuno Da Costa (İstanbul Başakşehir), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Gilson Benchimol (Akron Tolyatti), Hélio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv)