Cape Verde

Ten tiny islands. One massive World Cup dream.

FIFA #48

CPV

How they play

Absorb, break, punish.

World ranking

#69

Confederation

CAF · Africa

How they play

Absorb, break, punish.

Signature moment

At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Cape Verde beat Egypt — one of the continent's giants — in the Round of 16 on penalties, sending shockwaves through African football. The players celebrated like they'd won the whole tournament, and honestly? Nobody blamed them. A country of half a million people knocking out a nation of 100 million is exactly the kind of absurd, joyful chaos Cape Verde football exists to deliver.

The ones to watch

Vágner DiasGK
The last line of defense for a nation where every save feels like it echoes across the Atlantic.
Ryan MendesMF
Technically a Frenchman by upbringing but fully Cape Verdean by heart, he's the creative spark who makes the team tick.
Garry RodriguesMF
The flashy wide man who plays like he's got nothing to lose — because internationally speaking, he kind of doesn't.
Jamiro MonteiroMF
Built his career in MLS and European leagues before coming home to be the engine the Blue Sharks run on.
Dário EssugoMF
The young Sporting CP midfielder who represents the next chapter of Cape Verde football — technically polished and completely fearless.

One email the morning of their opener. Nothing else.

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