Bubista Unveils Cabo Verde’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Cape Verde have officially unveiled their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Blue Sharks prepare for football’s biggest stage.
The squad announcement, released by the Cape Verde Football Federation, confirms the players selected to represent the nation at the global tournament under head coach Pedro Brito, popularly known as Bubista.
Among the players named in the squad are goalkeeper Josimar Dias ‘Vozinha’, defenders Steven Moreira and Logan Costa, while the team will also rely on experienced figures such as Jamiro Monteiro, Garry Rodrigues and Hélio Varela.
Cape Verde’s qualification is already being celebrated as one of the great stories of the tournament. With a population of just over half a million people, the island nation becomes one of the smallest countries ever to participate in a FIFA World Cup, following the remarkable achievement of Iceland, who famously reached the 2018 World Cup with a population of around 370,000.
The Blue Sharks face a stern test in the group stage after being drawn alongside Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
The draw sets up a challenging route for the island nation, with Spain and Uruguay bringing vast World Cup pedigree, while Saudi Arabia will also be aiming to progress to the knockout phase.
Cape Verde will be hoping their blend of experience and emerging talent can inspire a strong showing as they prepare to compete against some of world football’s established powers.
Cape Verde has officially unveiled its squad for World Cup 2026, marking a historic moment for the Blue Sharks on the international stage. Coach Bubista has chosen a group built around continuity and experience, relying on players who already know each other well.
“We want to represent Cape Verde with pride and ambition,” a source close to the team reportedly says ahead of the competition. Key figures such as Logan Costa in defense and Ryan Mendes in attack will lead a squad eager to surprise stronger opponents during the tournament.
The selected squad includes :
– Goalkeepers : Carlos Dos Santos, Marcio Rosa, and Vozinha;
– Defenders : Bubista will count on Diney Borges, Kelvin Pires, Stopira, Logan Costa, Roberto Lopes, Sidny Cabral, Steven Moreira, and Wagner Pina;
– The midfield features Jamiro Monteiro, Deroy Duarte, João Paulo Fernandes, Kevin Pina, Laros Duarte, Telmo Arcanjo, and Yannick Semedo;
– The attack includes Dailon Livramento, Garry Rodrigues, Gilson Benchimol, Jovane Cabral, Nuno Da Costa, Ryan Mendes, Willy Semedo, and Helio Varela.
Cape Verde will open its campaign against Spain on June 15 before facing Uruguay on June 22 and Saudi Arabia on June 27.
The clash against Spain is expected to be the biggest match in the nation’s football history, while the encounter with Uruguay will pit the Blue Sharks against one of South America’s traditional giants. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, could represent Cape Verde’s best opportunity to secure a famous first World Cup victory.
