Ryan Mendes Leads Cape Verde's FIFA World Cup 2026 Team

A record 1,248 players will compete across the United States, Canada and Mexico in an expanded edition of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, where 48 teams will participate for the first time.

Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their debut while established superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will make their record sixth appearance in the showpiece competition for Argentina and Portuhal respectively.

Players from diverse backgrounds and cultures, representing hundreds of clubs across dozens of countries will be on the pitch from June 11 to July 19.

Argentina are the reigning champions while traditional heavyweights Brazil, France, Germany and Spain will look to regain the trophyin what promises to be the most expansive and competitive edition of the event in history.

Among the nations making history is Cape Verde, who have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time and will be eager to leave their mark on football's biggest stage. Led by experienced stars such as Ryan Mendes, Jamiro Monteiro, Jovane Cabral and Logan Costa, the Blue Sharks enter the tournament with a talented squad blending experience, resilience and attacking flair. Here is the complete Cape Verde squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring the full team list and the players aiming to make history for their nation.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Cape Verde Squad: Full Team List

Goalkeepers: Josimar Dias “Vozinha” (Chaves), Márcio da Rosa (Montana), Carlos Santos (San Diego)

Defenders: Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), Joao Paulo Fernandes (FCSB), Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Roberto Lopes “Pico” (Shamrock Rovers), Kelvin Pires (SJK), Ianique Tavares “Stopira” (Torreense), Edilson Borges “Diney” (Al Bataeh)

Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Telmo Arcanjo (Vitoria de Guimarães), Yannick Semedo (Farense), Laros Duarte (Puskas Akademia), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets Razgrad), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar)

Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Iğdır), Willy Semedo (Omonia), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora), Nuno Da Costa (İstanbul Basaksehir), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Gilson Benchimol (Akron Tolyatti), Helio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv)