Cap Verde have announced their 26-man squad for their debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 2026, according to reports from Actu Foot Afrique. The island nation, with a population of approximately 530,000, will compete in a challenging Group B alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
The squad features a blend of domestic-based players and those competing in leagues across Europe and beyond. Among the notable inclusions are Logan Costa and Steven Moreira, both former players of Ligue 1 side Toulouse. Ryan Mendes, currently with Turkish club Kocaelispor, also makes the squad, bringing experience gained during his time at Lille. Nuno Da Costa, a former Strasbourg forward, is also selected by head coach Bubista.
The Cap Verde team will begin their World Cup campaign against Spain on June 15th, followed by a match against Uruguay on June 22nd. Their final group stage fixture will be against Saudi Arabia, a game that could prove crucial to their chances of progressing beyond the group stage. The team is nicknamed ‘Tubarões Azuis’ – the Blue Sharks.
This qualification marks a historic moment for Cap Verde, often referred to as the “little Brazil,” and represents the nation’s first ever participation in the World Cup finals. The inclusion of players with experience in major European leagues is expected to bolster their competitiveness against established footballing nations. The squad comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and eight forwards. This represents a significant achievement for the nation and a milestone in African football.
