Cape Verde Beats Bermuda 3-0 Ahead of World Cup Debut
EAST HARTFORD, Connecticut — Cape Verde sent a clear message to their upcoming World Cup rivals on Thursday, dominating Bermuda 3-0 in their final warm-up match before making their historic debut on football’s biggest stage.
The “Blue Sharks” looked sharp and clinical at Pratt & Whitney Stadium, maintaining the momentum from their recent victory over Serbia. Willy Semedo broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, giving Cape Verde a deserved lead after a period of sustained pressure. Shortly after the halftime break, Garry Rodrigues doubled the advantage in the 49th minute, effectively putting the game out of reach for Bermuda.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Nuno da Costa added the finishing touch, slotting home in the 91st minute to cap off a commanding performance.
Building Momentum for the Big Stage
The victory in Connecticut follows an impressive regional camp that included a 3-0 win against Serbia in Lisbon. The squad has spent the last several days acclimating to North American conditions, signaling they are physically and tactically prepared for the challenges ahead.
The Road Ahead: A Group of Giants
Cape Verde enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament’s most intriguing newcomers. However, the Blue Sharks face a daunting path through Group H. Their campaign begins on June 15 in Atlanta, where they will take on perennial powerhouses Spain.
Following their debut, the team will travel to Miami to face Uruguay on June 21, before concluding the group stage against Saudi Arabia in Houston on June 26. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, officially kicks off on June 11 and runs through July 19.
Image: Pexels – Franco Monsalvo
