CAF · Group H
Cape Verde at FIFA World Cup 2026
Cape Verde qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group H opponents
Cape Verde plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
Cape Verde fixtures
Cape Verde in the tournament
Cape Verde arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #70 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 56/100. CAF (Africa) sends 9 teams, up from 5 in the previous edition. Morocco reached the semifinals in 2022.
The 48-team format puts Cape Verde in Group H with Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #36, with Cape Verde the lowest-ranked side. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
Cape Verde squad for World Cup 2026
Announced May 29, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Bubista
Cape Verde's first ever World Cup appearance -- a 500,000-population island nation reaches football's biggest stage. Coach Bubista (a former Cape Verde player) leads a squad rich with Portuguese-league experience and diaspora-rooted talent across European second tiers.
Goalkeepers3
- Vozinha(Chaves)
- Marcio Rosa(Montana)
- CJ dos Santos(San Diego)
Defenders9
- Stopira(Torreense)
- Roberto Lopes(Shamrock Rovers)
- Joao Paulo(FCSB)
- Diney(Al Bataeh)
- Logan Costa(Villarreal)
- Steven Moreira(Columbus Crew)
- Wagner Pina(Trabzonspor)
- Sidny Lopes Cabral(Benfica)
- Kelvin Pires(SJK)
Midfielders6
- Jamiro Monteiro(PEC Zwolle)
- Kevin Pina(Krasnodar)
- Deroy Duarte(Ludogorets)
- Telmo Arcanjo(Vitoria Guimaraes)
- Laros Duarte(Puskas Akademia)
- Yannick Semedo(Farense)
Forwards8
- Ryan Mendes(Igdir)
- Garry Rodrigues(Apollon Limassol)
- Willy Semedo(Omonia)
- Jovane Cabral(Estrela Amadora)
- Gilson Tavares(Akron Tolyatti)
- Dailon Livramento(Casa Pia)
- Helio Varela(Maccabi Tel Aviv)
- Nuno da Costa(Istanbul Basaksehir)
Sources: Sky Sports. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
Frequently asked questions about Cape Verde
When does Cape Verde play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Cape Verde plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 15, 2026. The opener is against ESP. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is Cape Verde in at the World Cup 2026?
Cape Verde is in Group H alongside Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is Cape Verde's FIFA ranking?
Cape Verde entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #70 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the wider qualifier pool. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can Cape Verde win the World Cup 2026?
Cape Verde's pre-tournament strength rating is 56/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are tournament debutants or lower-ranked qualifiers; reaching the second round would be a notable achievement. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.