Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Fantasy campaign, we’re taking a closer look at each nation competing at this summer’s tournament – highlighting their recent form, qualifying matches, key players and more.
Next up, Cabo Verde.
The Blue Sharks arrive at the World Cup as one of the lowest-ranked sides in the entire competition.
It’s a historic moment for the archipelagic nation, as they prepare for their first-ever World Cup appearance. In fact, they become just the third-smallest nation by population to ever compete at the tournament.
Built around organisation, discipline and work rate, Cabo Verde are unlikely to dominate possession against many sides. Instead, they’ll try to stay compact, frustrate opponents and rely on quick transitions to create opportunities.
Whether they can succeed with that game-plan, with the odds stacked against them and against elite opposition, is another question.
SQUAD
Cabo Verde officially announced their final World Cup squad on May 18.
As expected, the core of the side remains built around experienced and hard-working players, with manager Bubista once again prioritising structure and tactical balance over star power.
THE ROAD TO QUALIFICATION
It was an impressive qualifying campaign for Cabo Verde, who won seven of their 10 matches overall. Alongside comfortable victories against Eswatini, plus narrow 1-0 wins over Mauritius and Libya, the Blue Sharks also edged past AFCON regulars Angola and even defeated African giants Cameroon.
Their only defeat came in the reverse fixture against Cameroon, although it proved to be a heavy one as the Blue Sharks were washed ashore in a 4-1 defeat.
Cabo Verde kept an impressive seven clean sheets across their 10 qualifying matches. Only a handful of African nations managed more during their own campaigns.
However, 15 other African teams could better their average of 1.6 goals per game.
And the underlying data is not very flattering, either:
Cabo Verde were again 16th for xG per 90 minutes, and outside the top 10 for lowest xG conceded per 90 minutes.
BIGGEST GOAL THREATS IN QUALIFICATION
Striker Dailon Livramento was Cabo Verde’s biggest goal threat during qualification. The forward scored four goals in just 508 minutes for his country and was also the only player in the squad to produce more than 2.0 expected goals (xG).
Meanwhile, winger Willy Semedo was one of only two players to score twice during the campaign. The Omonia attacker has also enjoyed an excellent season at club level, producing an impressive 17 goals and 10 assists in just 28 league appearances.
Playing in the number 10 role, Jamiro Monteiro was the other player to score more than once during qualification.
MOST CREATIVE PLAYERS IN QUALIFYING
No player managed more than one assist during qualification.
The standout performer for key passes was Jamiro Monteiro, who produced 14 overall. His role on corners and free-kicks certainly helped boost those numbers.
36-year-old veteran Ryan Mendes registered seven key passes during the campaign. There had been some uncertainty surrounding whether he would make the final squad ahead of the World Cup, but Cabo Verde’s designated penalty taker was ultimately confirmed for the tournament.
SINCE QUALIFYING
| Date | Opposition | Result | Goalscorers | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 November 2025 | v Iran | 0-0 (D) | – | – |
| 17 November 2025 | v Egypt | 1-1 (D) | Rodrigues | – |
| 27 March 2026 | v Chile | 2-4 (L) | Livramento, Cabral | Cabral, Livramento |
| 30 March 2026 | v Finland | 1-1 (D) | Pires | Cabral |
| 31 May 2026 | v Serbia | 3-0 (W) | Pina, Duarte, Benchimol | Mendes, Varela, Duarte |
| 6 June 2026 | v Bermuda | 3-0 (W) | W Semedo, Rodrigues, da Costa | n/a |
Recent were far from convincing for Cabo Verde in the winless November and March friendlies.
The Blue Sharks did secure back-to-back 3-0 wins in the last fortnight, although Bermuda are ranked 166th in the world and are no real preparation for what’s to come.
WORLD CUP FIXTURES
‘Ignore till Round 3’ is Capo Verde’s schedule in a nutshell.
If they’ve shown any positive signs against group favourites Spain and Uruguay, then, at a stretch, they could come into the reckoning in Round 3. They’ll likely need to win that game (as Saudi Arabia probably will) to stand a chance of finishing in third.
TOP FANTASY PICKS
Whilst keeping seven clean sheets during qualification was impressive, Cabo Verde now face much tougher opposition. Because of that, it is fair to question just how much defensive potential the Blue Sharks will realistically offer at the World Cup.
However, for managers still looking to target a Cabo Verde defender, Sidny Cabral ($3.5m) immediately stands out. The Benfica full-back produced one goal and two assists across his two March friendly appearances, which highlights the attacking threat he offers.
He took some set plays in qualification, too.
You won’t find a starting defender cheaper than Cabral in the game.
Again, demand for Cabo Verde’s attacking players is likely to be negligible.
Jamiro Monteiro ($4.6m) looks like one of the more viable options from a limited pool.
Alongside getting on the scoresheet twice during qualification, Monteiro created twice as many chances as any of his teammates.
He also takes corners and free-kicks for his side, so could well pick up ‘key pass’ bonus points.
