This piece is part of a special series focusing on the 2026 World Cup, featuring insights from top media organizations across the 48 nations that qualified. As the tournament approaches, starting June 11, is providing daily previews of three countries.
Strategic Vision
“Let’s enjoy this moment. We’ve achieved our goal of reaching the World Cup, now it’s time to celebrate together,” declared Dailon Livramento.
The Blue Sharks from Cape Verde are set to navigate unfamiliar territory as they prepare for their inaugural World Cup appearance. Having participated in their first World Cup qualifier back in 2000, this small island nation is not one to underestimate, especially with their national motto, morabeza, which signifies a carefree attitude. They will need that spirit as they face formidable opponents Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in Group H.
Pedro Leitão Brito, affectionately called Bubista, has assembled a diverse squad of 26 players, hailing from 25 clubs across 14 nations. Interestingly, the team features more players born in Rotterdam (six) than in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. For a country shaped by immigration, embracing multifaceted identities and languages is not a burden but a strength.
Cape Verde: Group H Schedule
15 June vs. Spain, Atlanta (12 PM local, 5 PM BST, 16 June 2 AM AEST)
21 June vs. Uruguay, Miami (6 PM local, 11 PM BST, 22 June 8 AM AEST)
26 June vs. Saudi Arabia (7 PM local, 27 June 1 AM BST, 27 June 10 AM AEST)
“Bringing together individuals with diverse perspectives and lifestyles can only happen through honoring each player’s uniqueness,” Bubista stated following a thrilling qualification match celebrated by enthusiastic fans in Praia.
The squad has been cohesive for nearly five years, characterized by a robust physical presence and a willingness to defend. However, the Blue Sharks also showcase an island-influenced playing style evident in their skillful forwards such as Ryan Mendes, Willy Semedo, and Jovane Cabral. “Our small nation doesn’t mean we relinquish possession,” emphasized Pico Lopes, a Shamrock Rovers defender born in Ireland, during an interview on the On The Whistle podcast. “We possess the quality and the killer instinct that we seek in attacking moments.”
One concern for the team is the physical condition of Logan Costa. The Villarreal center-back is arguably the squad’s standout player, but he has yet to return to action this season after suffering an ACL injury last summer.
The Man at the Helm
Bubista’s origins are humble; his father balanced work as a lift operator with shepherding, while his mother raised their ten children on Boa Vista island. “Their focus was on education, ensuring all their kids were educated, even going as far as buying a home in Mindelo [on São Vicente island] to facilitate their studies,” recounted Bubista’s cousin, Paulo Santos.
Despite the challenges, Bubista’s passion for football prevailed, leading him to play in Portugal, Spain, Angola, and captain the Blue Sharks for almost a decade. Known for his reserved nature as a player, he is a no-nonsense coach who demands discipline. His commitment to having players speak only Creole during international duty has cultivated a strong team identity during his six-year tenure. “It’s our national team’s official language,” he noted. “While some players attempt to communicate in other languages, I discourage this to maintain our Cape Verdean essence.”
Key Player
In 2012, scout Steve Walsh was at the French club Le Havre to discover Riyad Mahrez, who would later become a Premier League, Champions League, and Afcon champion. At that time, Walsh was also there to see Ryan Mendes, a standout from the academy. Mendes joined Lille as a successor to Eden Hazard before a serious ankle injury stalled his club career. Nonetheless, he remains a pivotal figure for the Blue Sharks, serving as captain and leading scorer, with the potential to become the first player to reach 100 caps for Cape Verde at the World Cup. At 36, although his prime may be behind him, he continues to be a linchpin in the team’s structure. “Ryan has been a consistent performer; he always rises to the occasion and finds the net when needed,” stated Pico.
Emerging Talent
Dailon Livramento has made an extraordinary impact since joining the national team just over two years ago, earning his place among the legends. He netted four goals during the qualifiers, including two against Angola, the decisive goal against Cameroon, and the opener against Eswatini that propelled the nation to the World Cup. He has filled a crucial gap within a squad rich in talented wide players but lacking a central striker. Born in Rotterdam to Cape Verdean singer Marizia, Livramento also has a musical flair; his brother, Jerzy, is part of the successful Dutch hip-hop group Broederliefde, which performed at a celebration in Praia after the team secured qualification.
Unsung Contributor
Kevin Pina has made a name for himself in Russia, leading Krasnodar to their inaugural league title in 2025. Transitioning to the Bulls straight from the Portuguese second tier, he remains relatively unknown outside Cape Verde. Alongside Deroy Duarte, Pina forms the backbone of the midfield, performing the essential tasks that enable the Blue Sharks’ offensive talents to shine. While he may not score often, the goals he contributes are typically spectacular.
Projected Starting Lineup
Fan Engagement at Matches
Considering the requirement to pay a $15,000 bond for entry into the United States (which was waived in May for FIFA pass holders, but too late for many), one might assume attendance by Blue Sharks fans would be minimal. However, that assumption would be incorrect. Over 500,000 Cape Verdeans reside in the U.S. (roughly equal to those on the islands) and they are expected to show up in large numbers, proudly displaying their vibrant colors. Anticipate blue jerseys, flags, shark-themed hats, lively energy, and, most importantly, music—Cape Verde’s finest export. The morna genre, championed by artists like Eugénio Tavares, Cesária Évora, and Marizia, reflects the experience of leaving the islands and representing them abroad, making it a fitting soundtrack for the World Cup. Soraia Ramos’s anthem, Nha Terra, has been embraced as the tournament’s theme.
US Relations and Political Dynamics
“Many fans expressed their desire to attend, but some have said they won’t go due to Trump,” shared Andreia Levy, leader of the 12Tubaron, Cape Verde’s exclusive supporters’ club. As a nation rooted in the Non-Alignment Movement yet heavily reliant on remittances from a significant U.S. diaspora, managing relations with the U.S. is a complex challenge for Cape Verde’s leaders and citizens. The country’s appearance on Trump’s controversial ‘Immigrant Welfare Recipient Rates by Country of Origin’ list, alongside the unpopular conflict in Iran and travel difficulties for supporters, has fueled growing discontent. “Numerous individuals are boycotting the U.S. If it weren’t for Cape Verde, I wouldn’t set foot in the U.S. either,” Levy remarked. “But we must support our team.”
