Cabo Verde announce squad for historic maiden World Cup

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Cabo Verde announce squad for historic maiden World Cup image

Cabo Verde have announced the squad which will travel to North America for the nation’s maiden FIFA World Cup™.

Coach Bubista’s selection includes some of the country's most experienced players, such as goalkeeper Vozinha and winger Ryan Mendes. Defender Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes is also present, as is striker Dailon Livramento, who was decisive in the qualifying campaign.

Cabo Verde will kick off their campaign in Atlanta against Spain on 15 June. Six days later, the Blue Sharks will travel to Miami to face Uruguay, before they round off their Group H campaign against Saudi Arabia in Houston on 26 June.

Cabo Verde's World Cup squad

Goalkeepers

Vozinha Marcio Rosa CJ dos Santos

Defenders

Diney Borges Sidny Cabral Logan Costa Steven Moreira Wagner Pina Joao Paulo Fernandes Roberto 'Pico' Lopes Kelvin Pires Ianique 'Stopira' Tavares

Midfielders

Telmo Arcanjo Laros Duarte Deroy Duarte Jamiro Monteiro Kevin Pina Yannick Semedo

Forwards

Gilson Benchimol Jovane Cabral Nuno da Costa Dailon Livramento Ryan Mendes Garry Rodrigues Willy Semedo Helio Varela

All squads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following their submission by participating teams, on 2 June.

How Cabo Verde achieved historic qualification

A country of just over 500,000 people, Cabo Verde defied the odds to book their ticket World Cup 2026. They secured their spot at the global spectacular by finishing top of Group D in CAF qualifying - ahead of African powerhouses Cameroon.

Their stunning group campaign included a run of five straight victories – and they confirmed their place in North America with a comprehensive 3-0 home win over Eswatini.

Cabo Verde's World Cup 2026 fixtures and group

15 June: Spain v Cabo Verde – Atlanta Stadium
21 June: Uruguay v Cabo Verde - Miami Stadium
26 June: Cabo Verde v Saudi Arabia - Houston Stadium