Cape Verde squad for 2026 World Cup
Player (Position) Club
Vozinha (GK) Chaves
Márcio Rosa (GK) Montana
CJ dos Santos (GK) San Diego
Stopira (DF) Torreense
Roberto Lopes (DF) Shamrock Rovers
João Paulo (DF) FCSB
Diney (DF) Al Bataeh
Logan Costa (DF) Villarreal
Steven Moreira (DF) Columbus Crew
Wagner Pina (DF) Trabzonspor
Sidny Lopes Cabral (DF) Benfica
Kelvin Pires (DF) SJK
Jamiro Monteiro (MF) PEC Zwolle
Deroy Duarte (MF) Ludogorets Razgrad
Kevin Pina (MF) Krasnodar
Telmo Arcanjo (MF) Vitória de Guimarães
Laros Duarte (MF) Puskás Akadémia
Yannick Semedo (MF) Farense
Ryan Mendes (FW) Iğdır
Garry Rodrigues (FW) Apollon Limassol
Willy Semedo (FW) Omonia
Jovane Cabral (FW) Estrela Amadora
Gilson Benchimol (FW) Akron Tolyatti
Dailon Livramento (FW) Casa Pia
Nuno da Costa (FW) İstanbul Başakşehir
Hélio Varela (FW) Maccabi Tel Aviv
Key player: Ryan Mendes
While many Cape Verde key players originate from the European diaspora, their most influential figure is a homegrown talent.
Ryan Mendes, born in the city of Mindelo, is the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer with 22 strikes and their most-capped player with 94 appearances.
Currently playing for Iğdır Futbol Kulübü in Turkey, the 36-year-old veteran operates primarily as a right winger. Mendes possesses excellent playmaking vision, frequently drifting centrally to create numerical advantages or staying wide to isolate defenders.
His discipline also aids the team defensively, but his main value lies in his final-third production. He is adept at entering the penalty area and converting loose balls into scoring opportunities.
If Mendes were to miss time, the team would lose its primary attacking outlet and most experienced leader. His absence would significantly reduce their threat on the counterattack.