Cape Verde is the sensation of the 2026 World Cup. The Blue Sharks earned three points in Group H of the World Cup by drawing with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia and advanced to the second round.

What's at stake?

The next match for Cape Verde will be against the current champion Argentina, led by superstar Lionel Messi, this Friday (03), at 19h (Brasília time), in Miami, USA.

Who are the key players?

Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, is the symbol of Cape Verde in this World Cup. He has legendary status in the African country and embodies the hope of neutralizing the Argentine offense.

Upsets in World Cups

There is a select group of eight World Cup winners: Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, France, England, Italy, and Uruguay. However, upsets are not rare in the competition. Argentina, for example, lost to Cameroon in the group stage in 1990.

Defensive system

Cape Verde's defensive system worked in the first round: only two goals were conceded in three games. Before Vozinha is called upon, the Blue Sharks' defensive core will have the mission of neutralizing Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martínez, Lionel Messi, and company.

PlayerPosition
VozinhaGoalkeeper
Diney BorgesDefender
Roberto LopesDefender
Steven MoreiraDefender
Sidny CabralDefender