The waiting is over and the decisions have been made. Cape Verde head coach Bubista has officially submitted the final, locked-in 26-man roster to FIFA ahead of the tournament opener. Competing out of Group H, this collection of players carries the hopes of the nation onto the world stage.
With the squad finalized and training camp underway, we have broken down the official roster, analyzed how the positional depth charts shake out, and mapped out the predicted opening-match starting lineup based on the manager’s tactical preferences.
2026 Cape Verde World Cup Roster
The 2026 Cape Verde World Cup Roster was confirmed on May 19, 2026, when Bubista named his final 26. You can review the full squad list on the official FIFA squad announcements hub. Always check the latest injury news before playing fantasy or other related games for the World Cup.
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| Position | Player Name | Active Club Team | Official Roster Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Vozinha | Chaves | Projected Starter (#1) |
| GK | Marcio da Rosa | Montana | Primary Backup |
| GK | Carlos Santos | San Diego FC | Tournament Depth / Third Keeper |
| DEF | Steven Moreira | Columbus Crew | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Logan Costa | Villarreal | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Roberto Lopes | Shamrock Rovers | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Sidny Lopes Cabral | Benfica | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| DEF | Wagner Pina | Trabzonspor | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Joao Paulo Fernandes | FCSB | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| DEF | Kelvin Pires | SJK Seinajoki | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| DEF | Stopira | Torreense | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| DEF | Edilson Borges | Al-Bataeh | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| MID | Jamiro Monteiro | PEC Zwolle | Projected Starter |
| MID | Telmo Arcanjo | Vitoria Guimaraes | Projected Starter |
| MID | Deroy Duarte | Ludogorets | Projected Starter |
| MID | Laros Duarte | Puskas Akademia | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Yannick Semedo | Farense | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Kevin Pina | Krasnodar | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| FWD | Ryan Mendes | Igdir FK | Projected Starter |
| FWD | Garry Rodrigues | Apollon Limassol | Projected Starter |
| FWD | Jovane Cabral | Estrela Amadora | Projected Starter |
| FWD | Willy Semedo | Omonia Nicosia | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
| FWD | Nuno da Costa | Basaksehir | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
| FWD | Dailon Livramento | Casa Pia | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
| FWD | Gilson Benchimol | Akron Togliatti | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
| FWD | Helio Varela | Maccabi Tel Aviv | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
Cape Verde Roster Position Breakdown & Tactical Roles
Goalkeepers
- The Established #1: Vozinha occupies the starting role and will lead the defense from the back line throughout the group stage.
- The Bench Depth: Marcio da Rosa acts as the immediate primary backup option, while Carlos Santos provides cover as the third keeper.
Defenders
- The Defensive Foundation: The back line is anchored by Steven Moreira, Logan Costa, Roberto Lopes, and Wagner Pina, who are expected to command the heavy minutes.
- Tactical Cover: Sidny Lopes Cabral, Joao Paulo Fernandes, Kelvin Pires, Stopira, and Edilson Borges secured their places in the final 26 to provide structural depth across the flanks and central defense.
Midfielders
- The Engine Room: Control of the pitch belongs to Jamiro Monteiro, Deroy Duarte, and Telmo Arcanjo, who will shape the possession and set the tempo.
- Sub Impact: Laros Duarte, Yannick Semedo, and Kevin Pina provide tactical options off the bench to alter shapes or protect late-game results.
Forwards / Attackers
- The Focal Point: The attack is led by Garry Rodrigues, Ryan Mendes, and Jovane Cabral.
- The Attacking Variants: Willy Semedo, Nuno da Costa, Dailon Livramento, Gilson Benchimol, and Helio Varela offer high-impact options with distinct aerial and pace-based switches.
Predicted Cape Verde Starting XI: Group Stage Opener
With the 26-man roster finalized, tactical patterns indicate that Cape Verde will lean on a primary 4-3-3 setup to attack their initial group stage matches. The lineup below is our projection based on current form and Bubista’s selections; it is a prediction, not an official team sheet.
Predicted Lineup Layout
- Goalkeeper: Vozinha
- Defenders (Left to Right): Steven Moreira, Logan Costa, Roberto Lopes, Wagner Pina
- Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro, Deroy Duarte, Telmo Arcanjo
- Forwards / Wingers: Garry Rodrigues, Ryan Mendes, Jovane Cabral
Note: Cape Verde have several attacking options, with Ryan Mendes, Nuno da Costa, and Willy Semedo competing up front.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Cape Verde World Cup Roster
Is this the final Cape Verde World Cup roster?
Yes. This is the official, finalized 26-man squad as submitted to and approved by FIFA for the tournament, announced by Bubista on May 19, 2026.
Where can I track the full tournament brackets?
To see how Cape Verde matches up against the rest of the field, check out our master, printable 2026 World Cup Bracket with Groups Filled In page, which includes all 12 group configurations.
Who does Cape Verde play in the group stage?
Cape Verde will play in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. You can view the full Cape Verde match schedule, with dates, venues, and kickoff times, on our 2026 Cape Verde World Cup schedule page.
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