Cabo VerdeGroup H · CAF · FIFA #69 · Elo 1576
📅 Group H: vs Spain · Saudi Arabia · Uruguay
The Blue Sharks make history as the second-smallest nation by population (c.525,000) ever to reach a World Cup — a diaspora squad spread across 12 countries, marshalled by an iron-willed 39-year-old goalkeeper and a Paris-born centre-back fresh from an ACL comeback, facing Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in their debut Group H.
Cabo Verde qualified on 13 October 2025 by beating Eswatini 3-0, becoming only the second African island nation ever to reach the World Cup.
Roberto 'Pico' Lopes was recruited to the national team via a LinkedIn message from a former coach — born and raised in Crumlin, Dublin, he will be the first active League of Ireland player in World Cup history.
Vozinha, the vice-captain goalkeeper, is 39 years old and plays in Liga Portugal 2; he made his national debut in 2012 when Cape Verde reached their first AFCON.
Cape Verde topped their World Cup qualifying group ahead of Cameroon and Angola, conceding zero goals in five home matches.
The squad's total Transfermarkt value is approximately €54.5m — less than a single player on most of their Group H opponents.
At their very first major tournament, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Cape Verde reached the quarter-finals — having qualified by knocking out Samuel Eto'o's mighty Cameroon.
Cape Verde has been exporting stars for decades without getting the caps: Manchester United winger Nani was born in the capital Praia but chose Portugal, and Sweden legend Henrik Larsson is the son of a Cape Verdean father.
The big number is the player's EA FC 26 (FIFA 26) overall rating; for players not in the game it's estimated from market value & role.
Tip: click any player for full details, or “✨ Get to know Cabo Verde” up top for trivia & the anthem. OVR = EA FC 26 (FIFA 26) rating; for players not in the game it's estimated from market value.
Spain
Uruguay
Saudi Arabia