Cape Verde — FIFA World Cup 2026

Group HPedro Leitão4-4-2
CalibrSports Strength Rating38 / 100

Will Cape Verde Qualify from Group H?

Advance from Group22%
Reach Quarter-Final7%
Reach Semi-Final2%
Reach the Final1%
Win the World Cup0%

Powered by CalibrSports ML · Pre-tournament analysis

Key Players for Cape Verde at World Cup 2026

Garry Rodrigues
RW

Al-Gharafa

Experienced wide forward and the most capped Cape Verde player, a constant threat in transition

Ryan Mendes
LW

Beşiktaş

Dynamic left-sided attacker with pace and an eye for goal on the counter-attack

Roberto Lopes
CB

Shamrock Rovers

Commanding centre-back and defensive leader who organises the backline

Cape Verde World Cup 2026 Squad

26-player squad · provisional, via SportMonks · finalized closer to kickoff

Goalkeepers(3)

CJ dos SantosCJ dos Santos
Márcio RosaMárcio Rosa
VozinhaVozinha

Defenders(8)

Diney BorgesDiney Borges
Kelvin PiresKelvin Pires
Logan CostaLogan Costa
Roberto LopesRoberto Lopes
Sidny CabralSidny Cabral
Steven MoreiraSteven Moreira
StopiraStopira
Wagner PinaWagner Pina

Midfielders(6)

Deroy DuarteDeroy Duarte
Jamiro MonteiroJamiro Monteiro
João PauloJoão Paulo
Kevin LeniniKevin Lenini
Laros DuarteLaros Duarte
Yannick SemedoYannick Semedo

Attackers(9)

BenchimolBenchimol
Dailon LivramentoDailon Livramento
Garry RodriguesGarry Rodrigues
Hélio VarelaHélio Varela
Jovane CabralJovane Cabral
Nuno Da CostaNuno Da Costa
Ryan MendesRyan MendesC
Telmo ArcanjoTelmo Arcanjo
Willy SemedoWilly Semedo

Cape Verde Manager & Playing Style

Manager

Pedro Leitão

Formation

4-4-2

Energetic and combative with a direct 4-4-2 shape that presses high and relies on quick transitions, with Garry Rodrigues and Ryan Mendes providing pace and creativity on the wings.

Cape Verde World Cup History

2022Did not qualify
2018Did not qualify
2014Did not qualify

Cape Verde's Group H Opponents

1Spain93 pts
2Uruguay69 pts
3Saudi Arabia46 pts
4Cape Verde (this team)38 pts

WC 2026 Betting Angles for Cape Verde

Cape Verde to score — YES in any group match

Even against top opposition, Cape Verde's pace in wide areas creates opportunities; their ability to nick a goal at inflated odds is worth noting.

Cape Verde group stage exit — YES

A first-ever World Cup appearance against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia makes group exit near-certain; laying them to advance is as close to a sure thing as the tournament offers.

Both teams to score — Saudi Arabia vs Cape Verde

Cape Verde will set up to attack in what is their most winnable match; both teams to score in this fixture has genuine value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Cape Verde qualify from the group stage?

CalibrSports ML gives Cape Verde a 22% probability of advancing from Group H, based on squad strength and opponent ratings.

What are Cape Verde's chances of winning WC 2026?

Our model gives Cape Verde a 0% chance of winning the World Cup 2026.

Who is Cape Verde's best player at WC 2026?

Garry Rodrigues (RW at Al-Gharafa) — Experienced wide forward and the most capped Cape Verde player, a constant threat in transition

CalibrSports Verdict on Cape Verde

Cape Verde make their first-ever World Cup appearance and it is a landmark moment for African football. Pedro Leitão has built a spirited and well-organised side but the quality gap against Spain, Uruguay, and even Saudi Arabia is substantial. CalibrSports gives Cape Verde a 22% chance of advancing from Group H — though just competing on this stage is already a triumph.