Cabo Verde have moved from qualification talk into squad talk for World Cup 2026. This page tracks the announced squad status as of May 20, 2026, the key names, group-stage fixtures and the selection questions that matter before kickoff.
Cabo Verde squad status
| Squad detail | Current status |
|---|---|
| Team | Cabo Verde |
| Coach | Bubista |
| Announcement status | Cabo Verde announced their squad on 18 May 2026. |
| Group | Group H with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia |
| Final FIFA list note | National announcements can still change before FIFA confirms final squad lists around 2 June 2026. |
Key squad story
Cabo Verde are preparing for their first World Cup appearance.
Vozinha, Roberto Lopes, Ryan Mendes and Dailon Livramento are among the key names.
The Blue Sharks qualified ahead of Cameroon in CAF qualifying, making the squad a major tournament story.
Full announced squad list
- Goalkeepers: Vozinha, Marcio Rosa, CJ dos Santos
- Defenders: Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral, Logan Costa, Steven Moreira, Wagner Pina, Joao Paulo Fernandes, Roberto Lopes, Kelvin Pires, Stopira
- Midfielders: Telmo Arcanjo, Laros Duarte, Deroy Duarte, Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Yannick Semedo
- Forwards: Gilson Benchimol, Jovane Cabral, Nuno da Costa, Dailon Livramento, Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, Willy Semedo, Helio Varela
The biggest thing to watch is role clarity. A World Cup squad is not only a list of famous players: it is a minutes plan. Starters, penalty takers, set-piece takers, late substitutes, reserve goalkeepers and defensive cover all affect how far a team can go.
Group-stage fixtures
- 15 June: Spain v Cabo Verde - Atlanta Stadium
- 21 June: Uruguay v Cabo Verde - Miami Stadium
- 26 June: Cabo Verde v Saudi Arabia - Houston Stadium
Cabo Verde need enough points across those three matches to finish in the top two or compete strongly in the third-place race. The 48-team format gives more teams a route into the knockouts, but it also makes goal difference and late substitutions more important.
Fantasy, betting and player-watch angle
For fantasy football, the best picks are not always the most famous names. Minutes, penalty duty, clean-sheet probability, set pieces and group strength should decide the shortlist. For betting research, check licensed markets in your country and compare team progress odds with player markets before backing top scorer or award prices.
What can still change
- Injury replacements can alter the final list before the first match.
- A preliminary or expanded squad has to be cut to the permitted final size.
- Club form and late fitness tests can change the starting XI even when the squad list is known.
- Tournament roles can change after the first match if a team needs more control, pace or height.
