After a remarkable run, notably marked by Cameroon's elimination, Cape Verde is preparing to compete in the 2026 World Cup as an African outsider. The Blue Sharks are determined to prove they fully deserve their place among the tournament's elite nations.

For this competition, coach Bubista has chosen to rely on experience. The announced squad includes nine players over the age of 30, a symbol of the stability of this Cape Verdean generation.

Among them is the indispensable Vozinha. At 39, the iconic goalkeeper retains his status as the starting goalkeeper for Cape Verde, also benefiting from the absence of Bruno Varela, former Benfica goalkeeper, who was not selected for the World Cup.

Captain Ryan Mendes, 36, currently playing in the Turkish second division, will also be one of the key players in the squad. Striker Nuno Da Costa (35), who plays for İstanbul Başakşehir, is also part of the group, as is former Toulouse defender Steven Moreira, now with the Columbus Crew in MLS.

Cape Verde's list

Goalkeepers: CJ dos Santos (San Diego, USA), Marcio Rosa (Montana, BUL), Vozinha (Chaves, POR)

Defenders: Edilson Borges (Al-Bataeh, UAE), Sidny Cabral (Benfica, POR), Logan Costa (Villarreal, ESP), Roberto Lopes (Shamrock Rovers, IRL), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew, USA), João Paulo (FCSB, ROU), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor, TUR), Kelvin Pires (SJK, FIN), Stopira (Torreense, POR)

Midfielders: Telmo Arcanjo (Vitoria Guimaraes, POR), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets, BUL), Laros Duarte (Puskas Academy, HON), Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Swolle, HOL), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar, RUS), Yannick Semedo (Farense, POR)

Forwards: Gilson Benchimol (Akron Togliatti, RUS), Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora, POR), Nuno da Costa (Basaksehir, TUR), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia, POR), Ryan Mendes (Igdir, TUR), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol, CHY), Willy Semedo (Omonia, CHY), Hélio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv, ISR)