Bubista’s Official Cabo Verde Squad For The 2026 FIFA World Cup
Cape Verde will play in the first World Cup in its history led by Dailon Livramento, Logan Costa, and a generation dreaming of shocking the world.
Cape Verde wants to continue writing the greatest story in its football history
The national team of Cape Verde officially confirmed the 26 players who will represent the country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Blue Sharks will compete in football’s biggest tournament for the very first time.
The African side arrives at the World Cup after an incredible qualification campaign in the CAF qualifiers, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing national teams in African football over the last few years.
Managed by Pedro Brito, better known as Bubista, Cape Verde will compete in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, one of the toughest groups in the tournament for the nation’s historic World Cup debut.
Cape Verde’s Official Squad For The 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers
Josimar Dias — Chaves (Liga Portugal 2)
Márcio da Rosa — Montana (Bulgarian First League)
Carlos Santos — San Diego FC (MLS)
Defenders
Steven Moreira — Columbus Crew (MLS)
Wagner Pina — Trabzonspor (Süper Lig)
João Paulo Fernandes — FCSB (Liga I)
Sidny Lopes Cabral — Benfica (Primeira Liga)
Logan Costa — Villarreal (LaLiga)
Roberto Lopes — Shamrock Rovers (League of Ireland Premier Division)
Kelvin Pires — SJK Seinäjoki (Veikkausliiga)
Ianique Tavares — Torreense (Liga Portugal 2)
Edilson Borges — Al-Bataeh (UAE Pro League)
Midfielders
Jamiro Monteiro — PEC Zwolle (Eredivisie)
Telmo Arcanjo — Vitória Guimarães (Primeira Liga)
Yannick Semedo — Farense (Primeira Liga)
Laros Duarte — Puskás Akadémia (NB I)
Deroy Duarte — Ludogorets (Bulgarian First League)
Kevin Pina — Krasnodar (Russian Premier League)
Forwards
Ryan Mendes — Iğdır FK (TFF First League)
Willy Semedo — Omonia Nicosia (Cypriot First Division)
Garry Rodrigues — Apollon Limassol (Cypriot First Division)
Jovane Cabral — Estrela Amadora (Primeira Liga)
Nuno da Costa — Başakşehir (Süper Lig)
Dailon Livramento — Casa Pia (Primeira Liga)
Gilson Benchimol — Akron Togliatti (Russian Premier League)
Hélio Varela — Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israeli Premier League)
Head Coach
Pedro Brito “Bubista”
Player To Watch
The player attracting the most attention in this historic Cape Verde squad is Dailon Livramento. The Casa Pia striker arrives as the team’s main attacking reference after becoming one of the key players during the World Cup qualifying campaign.
At just 24 years old, Livramento scored decisive goals against teams such as Cameroon and also opened the scoring in the decisive match against Eswatini, establishing himself as the biggest offensive hope for the Blue Sharks.
Bubista trusted the core of the historic qualification
One of the most important aspects of this squad is Bubista’s absolute trust in the group of players that achieved the nation’s historic qualification.
Cape Verde kept almost the entire core that impressed during the African qualifiers, combining experienced internationals with players born or developed in Europe who chose to represent the country of their roots.
Logan Costa leads a defense full of experience
While Cape Verde’s attack has attracted significant attention, many of the team’s hopes will depend on the defensive solidity led by Logan Costa.
The Villarreal defender arrives at the World Cup as the leader of the backline and one of the squad’s most experienced players at the highest European level, alongside important names such as Steven Moreira and Wagner Pina.
Everything you need to now about Cabo Verde National Team
Cabo Verde wants to become the surprise team of the World Cup
The African nation fully understands that it will not enter the tournament as favorites against global powers such as Spain and Uruguay, but there is enormous belief within the squad that this team can compete on equal footing at football’s biggest stage.
With a mixture of national pride, European-based talent, and one of the most inspiring stories of the tournament, Cape Verde arrives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup determined to prove that its historic qualification was no accident.
