This report is a contribution to the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration involving prominent media outlets from the 48 qualifying nations. As the tournament approaches, daily previews are being released, highlighting teams and matches leading up to the kickoff on June 11.
The Ambition
“Let’s enjoy ourselves. We’ve made it to the World Cup, and now it’s time to celebrate together,” said Dailon Livramento.
The Blue Sharks from Cape Verde are embarking on uncharted territory as they prepare for their inaugural World Cup appearance, but their potential should not be underestimated. The island nation, located off the coast of West Africa, began its World Cup qualifying journey in 2000. If any team is equipped to thrive under the weight of rapid advancement in global football, it’s Cape Verde. The national motto, morabeza, which conveys a sense of “no stress,” will be essential as they face off against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in Group H.
Pedro Leitão Brito, affectionately known as Bubista, has assembled a diverse squad for this tournament. The 26-player roster includes talent from 25 clubs across 14 different countries, with more players hailing from Rotterdam (six) than from Cape Verde’s capital, Praia. For a nation shaped by migration, embracing diverse identities and languages is not a hurdle but rather a strength.
Cape Verde: Group H Matches
June 15 vs. Spain, Atlanta (12 PM local, 5 PM BST, June 16 2 AM AEST)
June 21 vs. Uruguay, Miami (6 PM local, 11 PM BST, June 22 8 AM AEST)
June 26 vs. Saudi Arabia (7 PM local, June 27 1 AM BST, 10 AM AEST)
“Bringing together individuals with varying perspectives and lifestyles can only happen through honoring each player’s uniqueness,” Bubista commented after the thrilling qualification match in front of a lively crowd in Praia.
A cohesive unit has been in formation for nearly five years. Although they are known for their physical style and defensive readiness, the Blue Sharks also embrace the vibrant football influenced by their island heritage. This is exemplified by the technical prowess of forwards like Ryan Mendes, Willy Semedo, and Jovane Cabral. “Being a small nation doesn’t mean we will relinquish possession,” stated Pico Lopes, a Shamrock Rovers center-back born in Ireland, during an interview on the On The Whistle podcast. “We consistently possess the quality and killer instinct necessary in attack.”
The fitness of Logan Costa is perhaps the only uncertainty surrounding the squad. The Villarreal center-back is arguably the standout player on the team but has yet to compete this season due to an ACL injury sustained last summer.
The Coach
Bubista’s roots are humble. His father balanced roles as a lift operator and a shepherd, while his mother managed their ten children on Boa Vista island. “The family prioritized education, ensuring all the children received schooling, even purchasing a home in Mindelo on São Vicente island for the boys to study,” shared Bubista’s cousin, Paulo Santos.
However, Bubista’s passion for football prevailed, leading him to play in Portugal, Spain, and Angola, where he captained the Blue Sharks for nearly ten years. Known as “the silent captain” during his playing days, Bubista is a man of few words and has little patience for nonsense. His strong character and insistence that players communicate solely in Creole during international duty have cultivated a successful team during his six-year tenure. “Creole is our national team’s official language,” he emphasized. “At times, the players attempt to converse in other languages, but I prohibit that to maintain our Cape Verdean identity.”
Star Player
In 2012, Leicester scout Steve Walsh ventured to the French club Le Havre in search of talent, eventually discovering Riyad Mahrez, who would go on to win the Premier League, Champions League, and Afcon. However, at that time, Walsh was primarily focused on Ryan Mendes, a standout from the renowned academy. Before Mahrez joined Leicester, Mendes transferred to Lille as Eden Hazard’s successor. Although a serious ankle injury hindered his club career, Mendes remains the crown jewel for the Blue Sharks. He serves as captain, is the top scorer, and has a chance to become the first player in Cape Verdean history to reach 100 caps at the World Cup. At 36, while he may be in the twilight of his career, he remains pivotal to the team. “Ryan has consistently been there for us, always performing when called upon and delivering goals,” commented Pico.
Player to Watch
Dailon Livramento has made an impressive impact since joining the national team just over two years ago. He has quickly established himself as a beloved figure. With four goals during qualifying, including two in Angola, the decisive goal against Cameroon, and the opening goal against Eswatini, he was instrumental in propelling the team to the World Cup. His presence was the missing link for a squad rich in talented wide players but lacking a central figure in attack. Born in Rotterdam to Cape Verdean singer Marizia, he is also a musician, and his brother Jerzy is part of the successful Dutch hip-hop group Broederliefde, which performed at the after-party celebrating the team’s qualification in Praia.
Unsung Hero
Kevin Pina has established his residence in Russia, leading Krasnodar to their first league title in 2025. Having transitioned from the Portuguese second tier, Pina remains relatively unknown outside Cape Verde. Together with Deroy Duarte, he forms the midfield backbone, executing much of the essential work that allows the Blue Sharks’ attacking players to flourish. While he may not frequently score, when he does, his goals are often spectacular.
Projected Starting XI
Fan Expectations
To enter the United States, fans would typically need to provide a $15,000 bond (waived in May for FIFA pass holders, but too late for many). Nonetheless, expectations for Blue Sharks supporters are high. Over 500,000 Cape Verdeans reside in the U.S., roughly equal to the population on the islands, and they are expected to turn out in large numbers, adorned in blue shirts, flags, and shark-themed hats, creating an electric atmosphere filled with music, Cape Verde’s greatest gift. From Eugénio Tavares to Cesária Évora and Marizia, the music of Cape Verde, particularly morna, captures the essence of leaving the islands and representing them abroad, making it a fitting accompaniment for a World Cup celebration. Soraia Ramos’s song Nha Terra has emerged as a tournament anthem.
US Relations and Political Climate
“Many fans expressed their desire to attend but mentioned they wouldn’t go because of Trump,” noted Andreia Levy, leader of 12Tubaron, Cape Verde’s sole supporters’ club. A nation rooted in the Non-Alignment Movement yet heavily dependent on remittances from a significant U.S. diaspora, navigating relations with the U.S. is a complex issue for Cape Verde’s leaders. Facing the fallout from being featured on Trump’s controversial ‘Immigrant Welfare Recipient Rates by Country of Origin’ list, the unpopular war in Iran, and challenges for supporters trying to enter the U.S., frustration is mounting. “Numerous individuals are boycotting the U.S. If it weren’t for Cape Verde, I personally would avoid visiting the U.S. entirely,” Levy shared. “However, our support for the team must prevail.”
