Group H | Africa
Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup
A proud Cape Verde debut built on Monteiro's passing range, wide speed and Livramento's direct runs.
Watch for Cape Verde early read: whether Monteiro can face forward and pick the early pass before pressure arrives.
Story
Cape Verde's first World Cup is a people-and-diaspora story, but the football has a clear directness too.
Tactical cue
Cape Verde early read: whether Monteiro can face forward and pick the early pass before pressure arrives.
Squad, fixtures, manager, tactics, and match outlook
This page tracks Cape Verde's World Cup 2026 squad shape, group fixtures, manager context, tactical profile, and key players to watch. Start with the story, then check the tactical cue and player cue against the next match.
Qualification and bracket path
Jump from the main team card into the scenario pages that matter most for this team.
- World Cup 2026 scenarios
Start at the main qualification and bracket hub
- Group H qualification scenarios
See the wider group qualification picture
- World Cup 2026 third-place table
Track the best-third-place race
- Knockout bracket
See the live knockout picture
Overview
← swipe to explore →
Cabo Verde have reached their first World Cup, a landmark achievement for a nation of roughly half a million people. FIFA’s profile presents qualification as the product of national and diaspora football mobilization.
Trophy
Finals
Third Place
Best Finish
Debut (2026)
 | Head CoachBubista (Pedro Leitao Brito) |
Age: 56Joined: January 2020Exp: 6 yrs Club / 13 yrs Country | |
| Coaching Philosophy Strict 4-2-3-1. Possession-based but highly direct and rapid in attack, relying heavily on wing play and long-range shooting. | |
| Key Achievements +Captained his country from 1995 to 2005. Named CAF Coach of the Year for 2025 after a stunning World Cup qualification campaign. | |
 | Ryan Mendes | |
Age: 36Exp: 18 yrs Club / 16 yrs Country | ||
Current ClubIğdır |  | |
V | Vozinha | |
Age: 40Exp: 17 yrs Club / 14 yrs Country | ||
Current ClubChaves | 🛡️ | |
 | Jovane Cabral | |
Age: 28Exp: 10 yrs Club / 4 yrs Country | ||
Current ClubEstrela Amadora |  | |
← swipe to explore →
Favorite
Strict 4-2-3-1. Possession-based but highly direct and rapid in attack, relying heavily on wing play and long-range shooting.
Tactics
◆ Tactical Analysis ◆
Attack
Cape Verde's attack relies on opportunistic moments, highlighted by Kevin Pina's long-range free-kick and Hélio Varela's clinical finish following a defensive error. While the team struggles to generate consistent scoring chances from open play, they remain dangerous through occasional set-piece deliveries and direct transitions.
Key Strength
Cape Verde relies on a disciplined, low-block defensive structure anchored by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha to neutralize high-caliber opposition. This tactical resilience has secured two clean sheets in three matches, providing a stable foundation for their unbeaten group stage performance.
Defence
Cape Verde relies on a stubborn, organized defensive structure anchored by the exceptional shot-stopping of 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who secured two clean sheets in three group matches. While the team demonstrates resilience under pressure, they remain susceptible to individual errors, such as the defensive lapse that led to a goal against Uruguay.
Fatal Weakness
Cape Verde struggles to generate consistent attacking output, failing to score in two of their three group stage matches. Their reliance on set-pieces and defensive errors limits their ability to create high-quality chances from open play.
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Squad
Select a player to view
their scouting card.
Select a player to view
their scouting card.
Schedule
Fixtures List
Stats
🥅 Attack & Offence
0.7/match
7 SOT
3.0/match
1.7/match
Goals/Shots
📐 Build-up & Possession
791/1007 completed
5/29 completed
66/172 completed
🛡️ Defence & Goalkeeping
0.7/match
2 matches
38/49 tackles won
13.7/match
Effective
Shots blocked
🟨 Cards & Discipline
5.0/match
Data provided by FootieGuide research is for fan guide context. Verification source: ESPN API.
🥅 Attack & Offence
0.7/match
7 SOT
3.0/match
1.7/match
Goals/Shots
📐 Build-up & Possession
791/1007 completed
5/29 completed
66/172 completed
🛡️ Defence & Goalkeeping
0.7/match
2 matches
38/49 tackles won
13.7/match
Effective
Shots blocked
🟨 Cards & Discipline
5.0/match
Data provided by FootieGuide research is for fan guide context. Verification source: ESPN API.
News
🛰️ External Headlines (Radar)
🩹 Injuries & Availability
If opponents block the early pass into Livramento, Cape Verde may have to prove they can create through longer possession spells.
📝 Recent Warm-up Reports
No warm-up scorelines recorded.
🗣️ Manager Profile & Press
“Strict 4-2-3-1. Possession-based but highly direct and rapid in attack, relying heavily on wing play and long-range shooting.”
📋 Squad Context
Projected pre-tournament XI; 11 of 11 names match the June 2026 player snapshot. Final matchday selection still requires confirmation.
🛰️ External Headlines (Radar)
🩹 Injuries & Availability
If opponents block the early pass into Livramento, Cape Verde may have to prove they can create through longer possession spells.
📝 Recent Warm-up Reports
No warm-up scorelines recorded.
🗣️ Manager Profile & Press
“Strict 4-2-3-1. Possession-based but highly direct and rapid in attack, relying heavily on wing play and long-range shooting.”
📋 Squad Context
Projected pre-tournament XI; 11 of 11 names match the June 2026 player snapshot. Final matchday selection still requires confirmation.
Group H Context
Cape Verde is in Group H with Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.