Cape Verde will step onto the World Cup stage for the first time with a squad built on experience, speed and the belief that they can trouble more established nations.
Head coach Pedro Leitão Brito, aka Bubista, has named his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with the Blue Sharks preparing for what will be the biggest tournament in the country’s football history.
The squad blends long-serving national team figures such as goalkeeper Vozinha, captain Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues and Stopira with a younger group of players who have been making their mark in Europe and beyond.
Cape Verde have never previously appeared at a World Cup, but Bubista’s side arrive with growing confidence and a reputation as one of African football’s most organised and dangerous teams on the break.
At 39, Vozinha is expected to remain a key figure for the Blue Sharks, not only as a goalkeeper but also as one of the emotional leaders of the squad. He will be joined in the goalkeeping department by Marcio Rosa and CJ dos Santos, who plays for San Diego.
In defence, Bubista has placed his trust in a group with both physical strength and international experience. Logan Costa, who has impressed at Villarreal, is expected to be central to Cape Verde’s plans, while Roberto Lopes of Shamrock Rovers brings leadership and reliability at the back.
Steven Moreira of Columbus Crew offers energy from the flank, while the experienced Stopira, now 37, gives the squad another senior voice. Sidny Cabral, Wagner Pina, Kelvin Pires, João Paulo and Edilson Borges complete a defensive unit designed to give Cape Verde balance and depth.
The midfield is likely to be one of the most important areas for Bubista, especially against opponents who may dominate possession. The Duarte brothers, Deroy and Laros, offer mobility and drive, while Jamiro Monteiro of PEC Zwolle provides experience and control.
Kevin Pina and Yannick Semedo add athleticism and versatility, with Telmo Arcanjo also included as Cape Verde look to compete physically and transition quickly from defence to attack.
It is in the forward line, however, that Cape Verde may carry their greatest threat.
Captain Ryan Mendes and Garry Rodrigues remain two of the country’s most influential attacking players, and their experience could be vital in a tournament where Cape Verde will need to make the most of every opportunity.
They are joined by Nuno da Costa, Jovane Cabral, Dailon Livramento, Gilson Benchimol, Willy Semedo and Hélio Varela, giving Bubista a range of options in wide areas and through the middle.
For Cape Verde, the World Cup will be more than just a debut appearance. It will be a chance to show that one of Africa’s smallest football nations can compete with some of the biggest names in the game.
Bubista’s squad may not arrive with the weight of expectation carried by traditional giants, but the Blue Sharks will travel with pace, pride and the freedom to make history.
Cape Verde 26-man World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: CJ dos Santos, Marcio Rosa, Vozinha
Defenders: Edilson Borges, Sidny Cabral, Logan Costa, Roberto Lopes, Steven Moreira, João Paulo, Wagner Pina, Kelvin Pires, Stopira
Midfielders: Telmo Arcanjo, Deroy Duarte, Laros Duarte, Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Yannick Semedo
Forwards: Gilson Benchimol, Jovane Cabral, Nuno da Costa, Dailon Livramento, Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, Willy Semedo, Hélio Varela
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
