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World Cup 2026
Argentina3Cape Verde Islands2
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National TeamsMorocco wraps up WAFCON preparation with a landslide win
The Atlas Lionesses beat Cape Verde 5-0 in a friendly, their final tune-up before the Women's AFCON hosted by Morocco.
TransfersVozinha, Cape Verde's revelation, courted by Inter Miami and half a dozen other clubs
From an unknown goalkeeper in Portugal's second division to a global phenomenon followed by over 28 million people, Vozinha, Cape Verde's hero at the 2026 World Cup, is receiving offers from Inter Miami and clubs around the world.
Despite the World Cup exit.. Cape Verde goalkeeper: "We honoured our country against Argentina"
Despite Cape Verde's elimination against Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, the Blue Sharks goalkeeper expressed pride in his team's performance on football's biggest stage.
FIFA World Cup 2026World Cup 2026: Argentina survive Cape Verde scare to reach Round of 16 (3-2 AET)
Argentina were taken to the wire by a spirited Cape Verde side before eventually prevailing 3-2 after extra time. Messi opened the scoring but the Sharks equalized twice before Romero's deflected header secured a dramatic win.
Group H MD3 | Spain Eliminate Uruguay, Cape Verde Stun the World
Spain top Group H with a 1-0 win over Uruguay. Cape Verde secure a stunning qualification with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia.
FIFA World Cup 2026R32 | Argentina vs Cape Verde — Messi Meets the Tournament's Biggest Surprise
Argentina, the tournament favourite, face Cape Verde, its biggest surprise. Messi vs the underdogs — a classic knockout tie.
Matches
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Standings
| P | DIFF | PTS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification | ||||
| 1 |  Spain | 3 | +5 | 7 |
| 2 | Cape Verde Islands | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 |  Saudi Arabia | 3 | -4 | 2 |
| 4 |  Uruguay | 3 | -1 | 2 |
Rules and legend
- Qualification
- Relegation
Full Squad
Defenders
Midfielders
Key Players
Season Statistics
World Cup 2026Group HSeason 2026Transfers
No recent arrivals recorded.
History of the Cape Verde national team
Founding and Early Years
The Cape Verde national team, nicknamed "the Blue Sharks," is governed by the Cape Verdean Football Federation, founded in 1982. An island nation of under 600,000 people, it took decades to build the foundations of its historic achievement.
Team Evolution
Driven by a pool of talent drawn from its diaspora in Europe, Cape Verde's national team sealed qualification for the 2026 World Cup, becoming one of the smallest nations ever to take part.
Great Managers
Pedro "Bubista" Leitão Brito leads the Blue Sharks and guided them to their historic qualification, before taking them on the most memorable tournament run in their history.
Iconic Players
Ryan Mendes, current captain, the national team's all-time top scorer and most-capped player, carried this generation to its most stunning achievement.
Major Achievements
In their first-ever World Cup appearance in 2026, Cape Verde pulled off one of the greatest shocks in tournament history by finishing their group unbeaten (draws with Spain 0-0, Uruguay 2-2, and Saudi Arabia 0-0), before pushing defending champions Argentina to extra time in the Round of 32, eventually losing 3-2.
The Team Today
Under Pedro "Bubista" Leitão Brito, Cape Verde rank among the rising nations of the African continent in the FIFA World Ranking, buoyed by the momentum of their historic 2026 run.
Frequently asked questions
When is Cape Verde Islands's next match?+
No upcoming match is currently scheduled.
What is Cape Verde Islands's current standing?+
Cape Verde Islands are currently 2 in World Cup 2026 with 3 points.
Had Cape Verde ever qualified for the World Cup before 2026?+
No, 2026 marks their first-ever appearance.
Who is Cape Verde's captain?+
Ryan Mendes, the national team's all-time top scorer and most-capped player.
How did Cape Verde's 2026 World Cup end?+
They were eliminated in the Round of 32 by Argentina (2-3, after extra time), having finished their group unbeaten.
Who is Cape Verde's current head coach?+
Pedro "Bubista" Leitão Brito.
When was the Cape Verdean Football Federation founded?+
In 1982.