Cape Verde appeared in their first FIFA World Cup in 2026. In their debut match against Spain, they drew 0–0, earning their first point in World Cup history.
On 13 October 2025, they qualified for the World Cup for the first time after a 3–0 victory over Eswatini. At the time of their qualification, Cape Verde was noted as the smallest country by land area and the second-least-populated country to qualify for the World Cup, with a land area of and a population of just under 525,000. However, after the qualification of Curaçao's team a month later, Cape Verde became the second-smallest country by land area and the third-least-populated.
The team was drawn into Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. In their first ever World Cup game, they caused a major upset by drawing 0–0 to Spain. That upset was furthered by a 2–2 draw against Uruguay and a 0–0 draw against Saudi Arabia to finish second in their group, thereby becoming the smallest-ever nation to reach the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup.
In the round of 32, Cape Verde lost 3-2 to defending champions Argentina in extra-time, eliminating Cape Verde from the competition.
Overall record FIFA World Cup recordQualification recordYearRoundPosition*Squad1930 to 1974Part of PortugalPart of Portugal1978 and 1982Not a member of FIFANot a member of FIFA1986 to 1998Did not enterDid not enter 2002Did not qualify201102 2006124261216 2010630378 2014630397 20188305613 2022632186 2026Round of 3232nd403145Squad10721168 2030To be determinedTo be determined 2034TotalRound of 32403145—50228205257
Goalscorers
On 21 June 2026, Kevin Pina made football history by scoring Cape Verde's first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, doing so in the 21st minute of their second group stage match against Uruguay in Miami.
Player Goals 2026 Kevin Pina 11 Hélio Varela 11 Deroy Duarte 11 Sidny Lopes Cabral 11 Total 4 4
Tournaments
2026 FIFA World Cup
Group stage
Knockout stage
Round of 32
Off-field developments During the tournament, New Zealand Police confirmed that captain Ryan Mendes was under investigation over an allegation of rape relating to an incident reported at a hotel in Auckland in March 2026, when the squad had been in the city for FIFA Series friendlies. The complainant had worked as an interpreter for the delegation. No charges were laid, and the allegation has not been tested in court. FIFA said it was in contact with the New Zealand authorities, and neither FIFA nor the Cape Verdean federation announced any disciplinary action.
See also African nations at the FIFA World Cup Cape Verde at the Africa Cup of Nations
References
Reports