Key facts
- Cape Verde will debut in the 2026 World Cup.
- Cape Verde is the third smallest nation by population to qualify for the World Cup.
- The national team combines local talent with foreign-born players.
- Cape Verde won seven of their 10 World Cup qualifying games.
- The team is ranked 69th in the world.
Cape Verde is set to make its debut in the 2026 World Cup, becoming the third smallest nation by population to reach the tournament. The national team, known as the Blue Sharks, has a roster that includes both local talent and players born abroad to Cape Verdean parents, such as Roberto Lopes (Ireland) and Logan Costa (France). This mixed squad achieved significant success in the qualifiers, winning seven out of ten games, including an upset victory against Cameroon. Ranked 69th globally, Cape Verde faces a challenging group stage draw against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. Despite the tough competition, there is a sense of hope and pride among the Cape Verdean population, who see the World Cup as an opportunity to gain global visibility and showcase their nation's capabilities on the world stage. Head coach Pedro Leitão Brito aims to make an impact and demonstrate that small countries can compete against larger ones.