Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 preview – Can the Blue Sharks pull off a surprise?

The 2010 world champion will face debutant Cape Verde in the opener, which means Spain could leave with a changing team.

The small African team, despite entering the tournament as underdogs, has defeated Cameroon and Ghana in the past two years. Under the tutelage of former player and manager Pedro Leitão Brito, popularly known as Bubista, the company aims to build on its reputation as a giant killer on the world stage.

The Blue Sharks will also expect miracles from captain Ryan Mendes, their record goalscorer, while Sidny Lopes Cabral, who honed his defensive skills under Jose Mourinho at Benfica, and Logan Costa, who plays for Villarreal, will man the defense.

Jovane Cabral, who spent 10 years at Sporting CP and won six trophies, will take responsibility for progressive players down the wings.

Cape Verde could opt to park the bus in the World Cup opener against a high-intensity Spanish side, but with 16 goals in 10 games in the qualifying campaign, the country has proven it has enough weapons in its arsenal to hurt the opposition on the counter.

Player to watch out for: Dailon Livramento

The 25-year-old forward was Cape Verde’s leading goalscorer in the World Cup qualifiers (four goals) and plays in the Portuguese top flight, bringing elite European experience to the table. He is a much younger and faster alternative to captain Ryan Mendes and is also known for using his aerial skills (he has a 185cm frame) for set-piece situations.

Coach: Bubista

Bubista, who took charge of Cape Verde in 2020, has transformed the team from just a roach to a promising side in Africa. In 2023, the heavyweight defeated Ghana and drew with Egypt to reach the quarter-finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, but were knocked out on penalties by South Africa.

Bubista’s men played with an attacking 4-3-3 shape and lost just once in World Cup qualifying, beating Cameroon 1-0 at home. As the 56-year-old takes part in the World Cup for the first time, either as a player or as a coach, he will aim to execute his plan to perfection.

Published on June 9, 2026