Bubista, head coach of Cape Verde during Cape Verde Training © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Wednesday Feb 11, 2026. 12:56
Cape Verde is set to add another friendly to its schedule in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Blue Sharks booked their ticket to the global showpiece for the first time in history in October, finishing atop group D of the African qualifiers with seven wins, two draws and one loss from their 10 games.
The country has become the smallest nation in terms of land area to ever qualify for the tournament as well as the second-least populous nation to secure its spot in tournament history.
Bubista’s men are set to face Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in Group H.
Cape Verde now faces a packed schedule of international friendlies as the World Cup approaches.
The country is set to partake in the 2026 FIFA Series, where it will travel to New Zealand to face Chile and Finland on 27 and 30 March respectively.
Then, as the tournament draws closer, the Blue Sharks could face fellow World Cup participant Haiti on 6 June. This is according to Afrik-Foot, which states that negotiations between the two federations are progressing well.
The location of Cape Verde’s camp for the tournament – which will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July – is yet to be announced.
By Nic Gleeson