Pedro Leitao Brito, better known as Bubista, is the head coach of the Cape Verdean national football team. A former Cape Verde international and central defender, he took charge of the national team in January 2020.
The 56-year-old had previously worked at Cape Verde as an assistant coach and also managed clubs in the country including CS Mindelense, Sporting Praia, Mindelo and Batuque.
Under Bubista, Cape Verde qualified for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and later reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 AFCON. However, his greatest achievement came when he guided Cape Verde to the first ever FIFA World Cup qualification.
Bubista’s record as a coach
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Matches: 62
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Wins: 29
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Draws: 14
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Losses: 19
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Win percentage: 46.8
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Points per match: 1.63
Bubista’s record as coach of Cape Verde
-
Matches: 62
-
Wins: 29
-
Draws: 14
-
Losses: 19
-
Win percentage: 46.8
-
Points per match: 1.63
What did Cape Verde coach Bubista say before the match between Spain and Cape Verde?
Bubista said Cape Verde wants to enjoy its first World Cup appearance but also show that it has come to compete. He said the team’s qualification means more than football and called it a cultural moment for the country.
The Cape Verdean coach said facing Spain in the opener is a special opportunity and described the match as a dream come true. He added that his party wants to show its identity and play with courage and determination in a difficult group that also includes Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
How did Cape Verde qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup under Bubista?
Cape Verde qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing top of CAF qualifying Group D, ahead of Cameroon, Libya, Angola, Mauritius and Eswatini.
Bubista’s side finished with 23 points from 10 games, winning seven, drawing two and losing once. It sealed its historic qualification with a 3-0 win over Eswatini in Praia, becoming the first Cape Verdean team to reach a World Cup.
Published on June 15, 2026
