Cabo Verde World Cup Squad Includes Ludogorets, Montana, and Former Levski Players
The national coach of Cabo Verde, Pedro Brito, known as "Bubista," announced the team's squad for the 2026 World Cup today. The squad includes players from Bulgarian clubs such as Deroi Duarte of Ludogorets, Marcio Da Rosa of Montana, and former Levski player Gary Rodriguez.
The preparation for the national team of Cabo Verde begins with a tour of several islands in the archipelago, scheduled between May 20 and 24. Following this initial phase on national territory, the delegation will travel to Portugal.
In Portugal, the "Blue Sharks" have a friendly match scheduled against the Serbian national team on May 31 at the Restelo stadium in Lisbon. Afterward, the team will travel to the USA for a second friendly match, playing against the Bermudian team in Connecticut. This will be before the official start of the World Cup group stage.
List of the called-up players:
- Goalkeepers: Jozeimar Dias "Vozeinha" (Shavesh), Marcio da Rosa (Montana), Carlos Santos (San Diego)
- Defenders: Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), João Paulo Fernandes (FKSB), Sidney Lopes Cabral (Benfica), Logan Kosa (Villarreal), Roberto Lopes "Pico" (Shamrock Rovers), Kelvin Pires (SJK), Yanick Tavares "Stopira" (Torreense), Edilson Borges "Dinei" (Al Bateeh)
- Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro (Zulte Waregem), Telmo Arkanjo (V. Guimaraes), Yanick Semedo (Farense), Laraosh Duarte (Academia Puskas), Deroi Duarte (Ludogorets), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar)
- Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Igdir), Willy Semedo (Omonia), Gary Rodriguez (Apoel Limassol), Joao Cabral (Escola Amadora), Nuno da Kosa (Istanbul Basaksehir), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Gilson Ben-Shimol (Akron Tolyatti), Elio Varade (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
This lineup is a mix of experience and potential. It's exciting to see Bulgarian league players representing Cabo Verde on the world stage. But can they make an impact in a tough group? Let's see how they perform in the upcoming friendlies and the World Cup!