Cabo Verde have confirmed the squad that will represent the country at its first ever FIFA World Cup.
Coach Bubista has named a 26-man group for the tournament in North America, with several experienced figures included as the Blue Sharks prepare for the biggest moment in their football history.
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha is part of the squad, while winger Ryan Mendes also brings leadership and international experience. Defender Roberto “Pico” Lopes has been selected, along with striker Dailon Livramento, who played a decisive role during qualifying.
Cabo Verde will begin their World Cup campaign against Spain in Atlanta on June 15. They will then travel to Miami to face Uruguay on June 21, before completing their Group H schedule against Saudi Arabia in Houston on June 26.
The goalkeeper group includes Vozinha, Marcio Rosa and CJ dos Santos.
In defence, Bubista has selected Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral, Logan Costa, Steven Moreira, Wagner Pina, Joao Paulo Fernandes, Roberto “Pico” Lopes, Kelvin Pires and Ianique “Stopira” Tavares.
The midfield options are Telmo Arcanjo, Laros Duarte, Deroy Duarte, Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina and Yannick Semedo.
In attack, Cabo Verde will rely on Gilson Benchimol, Jovane Cabral, Nuno da Costa, Dailon Livramento, Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, Willy Semedo and Helio Varela.
All squads remain provisional until FIFA confirms the final 26-player lists submitted by participating nations on June 2.
Cabo Verde’s qualification is one of the great stories of the 2026 World Cup. With a population of just over 500,000, the island nation defied expectations by finishing top of CAF qualifying Group D, ahead of Cameroon.
Their campaign included five straight victories and ended in style with a 3-0 home win over Eswatini, sealing a historic place on football’s biggest stage.
Now the Blue Sharks head to North America with experience, belief and the chance to make even more history in their first World Cup appearance.
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