Cape Verde 2026 World Cup Squad: Blue Sharks Reveal Roster
The “Blue Sharks” are ready for their historic debut on the world’s biggest stage. Cape Verde head coach Bubista has officially unveiled his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring seven players currently plying their trade in the Portuguese leagues.
The roster includes a strong Portuguese-based contingent: goalkeeper Vozinha (Desportivo de Chaves), Sidny Cabral (Benfica), Stopira (Torreense), Telmo Arcanjo (Vitória de Guimarães), Yannick Semedo (Vizela), Jovane Cabral (Estrela da Amadora), and Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia). Their inclusion highlights the deep footballing ties between the two nations as Cape Verde prepares for its first-ever World Cup appearance.
Strategic Changes for the Global Stage
Since securing their historic qualification in October 2025, Bubista has made tactical adjustments to the squad. Notable additions include goalkeeper Carlos Santos from San Diego FC, along with the returns of Villarreal defender Logan Costa, Jovane Cabral, and Gilson Benchimol.
“There are players who are not on the list; some are injured, some were here before and now are not,” Bubista explained during a press conference in Praia. “What we did was based on what is best for our team. We apologize to those who couldn’t make the list, but we are quite satisfied with the evolution of Cape Verdean players around the world.”
The Road to Atlanta
Cape Verde faces a daunting but exciting challenge in Group H, where they will compete against footballing giants Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. The Blue Sharks will open their tournament against Spain in Atlanta on June 15.
Before flying to the United States, the team will embark on a promotional tour across the Cape Verdean islands to drum up local support. On Saturday, they will be formally decorated by President José Maria Neves in Praia before departing for a high-intensity training camp in Portugal.
“Our goal is to represent Cape Verde with dignity, character, and, obviously, without fear,” Bubista said.
Tournament Outlook
The 2026 World Cup marks a new era for FIFA, expanding to 48 teams across host nations Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Under the new format, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups—plus the eight best third-place finishers—will advance to a massive knockout stage starting with the Round of 32.
The Full 26-Man Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Vozinha (Desportivo de Chaves), Márcio da Rosa (Montana), Carlos Santos (San Diego FC).
- Defenders: Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), João Paulo Fernandes (Otelul), Sidny Cabral (Benfica), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Pico (Shamrock Rovers), Kelvin Pires (SJK), Stopira (Torreense), Diney (Al Bataeh).
- Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro (Zwolle), Telmo Arcanjo (Vitória de Guimarães), Yannick Semedo (Vizela), Laros Duarte (Puskás FC), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), Kevin Pina (FK Krasnodar).
- Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Kocaelispor), Willy Semedo (Omonia Nicosia), Garry Rodrigues (Limassol), Jovane Cabral (Estrela da Amadora), Nuno da Costa (Basaksehir), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Gilson Benchimol (Akron), Hélio Varela (Gent).
Image: Pexels – Meshack Emmanuel Kazanshyi
