As Cape Verde strides into the World Cup arena for the first time, anticipation is palpable. The Blue Sharks have navigated their way to this prestigious tournament, and the excitement is infectious. Dailon Livramento encapsulated the spirit of the team when he stated, “Let’s have some fun. We got ourselves into the World Cup, now it’s time to have fun together.”
Despite being a small archipelago off West Africa, Cape Verde’s footballing ambitions are soaring. Their World Cup qualifying journey began in 2000, and now they find themselves preparing to compete against powerhouses like Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in Group H. The country’s motto, morabeza, which translates to “no stress,” will serve them well as they face these formidable opponents.
Under the guidance of Pedro Leitão Brito, affectionately known as Bubista, the squad is a blend of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Featuring 26 players from 25 clubs spread across 14 different nations, their lineup includes more players born in Rotterdam than in the capital, Praia. For a nation shaped by immigration, embracing such diversity is not just a necessity but a point of pride.
Cape Verde: Group H Fixtures
15 June vs. Spain, Atlanta (noon local, 5 pm BST, 16 June 2 am AEST)
21 June vs. Uruguay, Miami (6 pm local, 11 pm BST, 22 June 8 am AEST)
26 June vs. Saudi Arabia (7 pm local, 27 June 1 am BST, 27 June 10 am AEST)
Bubista emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “Unity among people with different mindsets and ways of life can only be achieved by respecting the uniqueness of each player.” His philosophy has forged a cohesive unit that has been developing over the past five years. The team, known for their physical play, also embraces a style that reflects their island heritage, with skilled forwards like Ryan Mendes, Willy Semedo, and Jovane Cabral leading the attack. As Pico Lopes, a center-back with Shamrock Rovers, pointed out, “Just because we’re a small nation doesn’t mean we give up possession.”
One potential concern for the team is the fitness of Logan Costa. The Villarreal defender, regarded as the team’s most elite player, has yet to play this season due to an ACL injury suffered last summer.
The Coach’s Journey
Bubista’s rise is rooted in humble beginnings. His father balanced jobs as a lift operator and a shepherd while his mother nurtured their ten children on Boa Vista island. “The family was all about education, they put all of their kids through education,” recalled Paulo Santos, Bubista’s cousin.
His passion for football led him to a playing career across Portugal, Spain, and Angola, where he served as captain of the Blue Sharks for nearly a decade. Known as “the silent captain,” Bubista is a man of few words but commands respect. His strict adherence to the use of Creole during international duty has helped maintain a strong team identity over his six years in charge. “It’s the official language of the national team,” he affirmed.
Spotlight on Star Player
In 2012, Steve Walsh, a scout for Leicester, set out to watch Ryan Mendes play at Le Havre. At that time, Mendes was the standout talent of the academy, with Leicester eventually signing Riyad Mahrez instead. Mendes, who later joined Lille as a successor to Eden Hazard, has faced setbacks due to injuries but remains the cornerstone of the Blue Sharks. As the captain and leading scorer, he is on the verge of becoming the first player to reach 100 caps for Cape Verde at the World Cup. “Ryan’s been there for so long, and every time he’s called upon, he shows up and scores goals,” Pico noted.
Emerging Talent to Watch
Dailon Livramento has made an explosive impact since joining the national team just over two years ago. He has already etched his name in Cape Verdean football history, netting four crucial goals during the qualifiers, including a decisive strike against Cameroon. Born in Rotterdam to a Cape Verdean mother, he is not only a footballer but a musician, with family ties to the popular Dutch hip-hop group Broederliefde. Livramento has filled a vital role in the squad, providing the central presence they lacked.
Unsung Contributor
Kevin Pina has become a key figure in Russia, leading Krasnodar to their first league title in 2025. Despite his relative obscurity outside Cape Verde, he plays an essential role in the midfield alongside Deroy Duarte, enabling the Blue Sharks’ attacking flair. While he may not score frequently, the goals he does provide are often spectacular.
Expected Fan Engagement
Despite the challenges of securing entry into the United States, including a hefty $15,000 bond requirement, expectations for fan attendance are high. More than 500,000 Cape Verdeans reside in the U.S., roughly equal to their population on the islands, and they are anticipated to show up in droves. Expect vibrant blue shirts, flags, and joyous music that reflects Cape Verde’s rich cultural heritage. Soraia Ramos’s anthem, Nha Terra, has been embraced as a rallying cry for the tournament.
Political Context and Fan Sentiment
“A lot of fans said they wanted to go, but have said because of Trump we won’t go,” noted Andreia Levy, leader of 12Tubaron, Cape Verde’s sole supporters’ club. The country’s historical commitment to the Non-Alignment Movement parallels its reliance on remittances from a vast U.S. diaspora. The complexities of U.S. relations have sparked frustrations, especially following Cape Verde’s mention on Trump’s controversial list regarding immigrant welfare. “So many people are boycotting the U.S. If it weren’t for Cape Verde, even I would never set foot in the U.S.,” Levy expressed. “But we need to support the guys.”
