Who is the first ever goalscorer for Cape Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Cape Verde stunned South American heavyweights Uruguay with a goal in the 21st minute in their group stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Miami on Sunday.

Kevin Pina took a free kick from Cape Verde and found the net with a shot from distance, becoming his country’s first goalscorer in the tournament.

It was the second goal of the tournament scored directly from a free kick after Nathan Saliba found the net for Canada against Qatar on June 18.

Who is Kevin Pina, the first goalscorer for Cape Verde at the FIFA World Cups?

Kevin Pina is a 29-year-old midfielder who plays for Russian club FC Krasnodar. He made 27 appearances for the Russian Premier League last season, starting 11 as the club finished second in the title race.

Born in the Cape Verdean city of Praia, Pina made his professional debut in the Portuguese second division with Oliveirense in a 2-3 defeat to Benfica B in 2018.

Four years later, Pina signed a three-year contract with Krasnodar and later pledged his loyalty until 2027.

Pina earned his first call-up to the national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September 2021, making his debut in a 6–0 friendly win over Liechtenstein on 25 March 2022.

Published on June 22, 2026