Ruptly
"Cape Verde head coach Bubista unveiled on Monday his 26-man squad in Praia ahead of the country’s first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup 2026, describing qualification as a 'historic day' for Cape Verdean football. “We have qualified for the World Cup. Today is a historic day for us,” Bubista said, adding that many had once doubted the island nation could reach football’s biggest stage. The coach said belief inside the squad had remained strong throughout the qualification campaign. “We expect this group of 26 players to represent Cape Verde with pride, personality and determination,” he said while presenting the final squad list. Cape Verde’s squad includes several players based in European leagues, including defender Logan Costa of Spanish side Villarreal CF, forward Giovane Cabral, who has played in Portugal and France, and midfielder Jamiro Monteiro, one of the team’s most experienced international players. Bubista also highlighted discipline and national identity as key themes for the tournament. “They must feel pride in representing our country,” he said. “Everything we do must reflect that.” The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico - the first tournament to be hosted by three countries and the first to feature 48 national teams. Cape Verde has been drawn in a group alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Costa Rica. Their opening match is scheduled for June 14 in Houston against the Netherlands, before facing Japan on June 19 and Costa Rica on June 24."
Go to News Site