Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Monday, May 18, 2026, 4:53 p.m. / Updated Monday, May 18, 2026, 4:53 p.m.
Pedro Brito “Bubista”, the coach of the Cape Verde national football team, has announced the preliminary squad for this summer's World Cup, which will take place in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
Among those called up is Joao Paulo (27), FCSB's defender, who was one of the most important players for the national team in the qualifiers for the final tournament.
The Cape Verde team for the World Championship
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Goalkeepers: Vozinha (Chaves), Marcio Rosa (Montana), CJ dos Santos (San Diego FC)
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Defenders: Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), Joao Paulo (FCSB)Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica), Logan Costa (Villarreal CF), Pico (Shamrock Rovers), Kelvin Pires (SJK Seinäjoki), Stopira (Torreense), Diney (Al Bataeh)
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Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Telmo Arcanjo (Vitoria SC), Yannick Semedo (Farense), Laros Duarte (Puskás Akadémia), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets Razgrad), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar)
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Strikers: Ryan Mendes (Iğdır), Willy Semedo (Omonia Nicosia), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Jovane Cabral (Estrela da Amadora), Nuno da Costa (İstanbul Başakşehir), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Gilson Benchimol (Akron Toyatti), Helio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
The FCSB left-back, who can also play as a closing midfielder, has been one of Cape Verde's most important players on their way to qualifying for the World Cup.
He made 39 selections for the national team, managing to score one goal.
Historic presence at the World Championship
On 13 October 2025, Cape Verde qualified for their first ever World Cup after defeating Eswatini 3–0 to win their qualifying group.
Cape Verde's road begins in Portugal for a friendly against Serbia on May 31 at the “Restelo” stadium. Next up is a trip to the United States, where, before the start of the World Cup, the “Blue Sharks” have a second warm-up match, this time against Bermuda in Connecticut.
Cape Verde is part of Group H. The national team will debut on June 15 in Atlanta, Georgia, where they will meet Spain. Six days later, they will travel to Miami, Florida to play Uruguay. On June 26, they will travel to Houston, Texas to play their final group game against Saudi Arabia.
