Cape Verde
Cape Verde make their historic first World Cup appearance, representing an island nation of roughly 600,000 people. Coach Bubista — who won the 2025 CAF Coach of the Year award — has built a deeply connected team from the diaspora. Gelson Martins provides elite-level quality from Monaco; their collective spirit is exceptional.
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Tactical Blueprint
A compact 5-3-2 or 4-4-2 defensive structure with dangerous pace on the counter. Martins and Mendes provide the attacking threat; the team defends with excellent organisation and uses their speed to break on transitions.
Key Personnel
Gelson Martins
Player · Olympiacos
Ryan Mendes
Player · Igdir FK
Garry Rodrigues
Player · Apollon Limassol
★ Tournament Lore
Cape Verde are one of the smallest countries by population to qualify for a FIFA World Cup in the modern era.
Coach Bubista won the CAF Coach of the Year award in 2025 for transforming Cape Verde into an African qualification story.
Gelson Martins overcame a life ban following a pitch invasion incident to become Cape Verde's most celebrated modern player.
