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📖 About Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup
Cape Verde competes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Group H, facing Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the group stage. The tournament is hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, featuring 48 teams for the first time.
So far Cape Verde have played 3 matches, recording 0 wins, 3 draws and 0 losses for 3 points with a goal difference of 0 (2 scored, 2 conceded). That places them 4th in their group.
Explore the full Cape Verde squad, fixtures, live results and statistics on worldcuplivenow.com.
📖 Cape Verde — Profile & Football History
World Cup History
Cape Verde has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. They came closest in the 2022 qualifiers, reaching the third round but losing to Nigeria. Their best performances have been in the Africa Cup of Nations, not the World Cup.
Honours & Achievements
Cape Verde's main football honour is reaching the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and 2021. They have never won a continental title. Their highest FIFA ranking was 27th in February 2014.
Playing Style & Identity
Cape Verde typically plays a disciplined, counter-attacking style with strong defensive organization. They rely on physicality and set pieces, often frustrating more fancied opponents. Their football culture emphasizes resilience and collective effort over individual flair.
Legends & Star Players
Notable Cape Verdean players include Ryan Mendes, the all-time top scorer, and Héldon Ramos, a key figure in their 2013 AFCON run. Babanco and Djaniny are also celebrated for their contributions. Most legends have played in European leagues, particularly Portugal.
General informational content; may contain inaccuracies.
