The selected team from Cape Verde, decorated after the historic World Cup qualification » Joao Paulo, the great absentee
Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Sunday, May 24, 2026, 1:07 p.m. / Updated Sunday, May 24, 2026, 1:07 p.m.
Jose Maria Neves, the President of the Republic of Cape Verde, decorated on Saturday, in the city of Praia, the players of the selected team that will represent the country in its debut at the World Cup, as well as the technical staff.
Joao Paulo (27 years old), the defender of FCSB, was absent from this celebration, being in Bucharest for the semi-final of the Conference League qualifier against FC Botoșani, where the starter was announced.
Joao Paulo, absent from the decoration of the Cape Verde national team
Jose Maria Neves believed that the Blue Sharks team showed that by “uniting around an ideal” it is possible to overcome obstacles, claiming that the achievement proves that “nothing is impossible” and also highlighting the role of the diaspora and the fact that the team represents a country that is “united, strong and invincible.”
“By decorating the “blue sharks”, the Football Federation of Cape Verde and the national team, I am not only celebrating a sporting victory, but I am celebrating the resilience of a people, the strength of a nation and the certainty that the future of Cape Verde will be built with courage, talent and unity”, emphasized the head of state of Cape Verde, according to abola.pt.
The distinction comes just days after the announcement of the 26 players called up for the 2026 World Cup, which marks Cape Verde's first participation in the biggest competition on the planet.
The Cape Verde national team prepares to compete in Group H of the tournament from the United States of America, Canada and Mexico, where they will face Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
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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Forwards: 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)
