Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 23:37 / Updated on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 23:43
Cape Verde live to the fullest qualifying for the first World Championship in history. The country's government decided to grant a day off on the afternoon of June 15, so that the population could watch the debut of the national team in the final tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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Spain – Cape Verde is played on Monday, June 15, from 19:00. Group H also includes Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
The Blue Sharks will play their first ever World Cup match against Spain, one of the competition's favourites.
The government decreed a day off in Cape Verde for the match against Spain
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva, who stated that the measure was approved by a resolution of the Council of Ministers.
“I have signed, for publication, the resolution of the Council of Ministers that grants schedule tolerance to civil servants and employees of the state, public institutions and local authorities, starting at 1:00 p.m. on June 15,” the head of government said.
The Prime Minister described the decision as “an exceptional measure for an exceptional moment”, explaining that the goal is for the entire country to be able to watch and support the national team at its World Championship debut.
Recognition for Cape Verdean football pioneers
On the same occasion, Ulisses Correia e Silva also announced the granting of special pensions to the first internationals of the national team, in recognition of their contribution to the development of football in this country.
According to officials, they represented Cape Verde in times when financial resources, material conditions and sports infrastructure were far inferior to today's.
The Cape Verde team for the World Championship
Among those summoned is Joao Paulo (28), FCSB's midfielder, who was one of the most important players for the national team in qualifying for the final tournament.
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Goalkeepers: Vozinha (Chaves), Marcio Rosa (Montana), CJ dos Santos (San Diego FC)
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defense: 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)
