Cape Verde's historic 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, managed by Bubista, marks the nation's maiden appearance in the tournament. Featuring a mix of experienced veterans and players from the European talents, the Blue Sharks will compete in Group H against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. The squad heavily features defenders like Logan Costa and Roberto Lopes, midfielders such as Jamiro Montiero, and a forward line led by veteran Ryan Mendes.

With a population of roughly 525,000, Cape Verde is the third-smallest nation in tournament history to qualify, sitting only behind Iceland (2018) and Curaçao. The Blue Sharks are built to absorb pressure and hit teams on the transition. Captain Ryan Mendes sets the culture and pace of the team on the wings, while striker Dailon Livramento has emerged as the main man after scoring four goals in the qualifiers. In a rather group of death with other World Cup giants, Cape Verde can be an underdog if they can work on their strengths better and analyse the other teams in the group well.

See Also: England Fifa World Cup 2026 Squad

Cape Verde Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Josimar Dias "Vozinha" (Chaves), Márcio da Rosa (Montana), Carlos Santos (San Diego)

Defenders: Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), João Paulo Fernandes (FCSB), Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Roberto Lopes "Pico" (Shamrock Rovers), Kelvin Pires (SJK), Ianique Tavares "Stopira" (Torreense), Edilson Borges "Diney" (Al Bataeh)

Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Telmo Arcanjo (Vitória de Guimarães), Yannick Semedo (Farense), Laros Duarte (Puskás Akadémia), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets Razgrad), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar)

Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Iğdır), Willy Semedo (Omonia), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora), Nuno Da Costa (İstanbul Başakşehir), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Gilson Benchimol (Akron Tolyatti), Hélio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv)