The Cape Verde national team coach, Bubijsha, has announced the squad for the country's historic first World Cup appearance. The team, set to compete in North America, relies primarily on players based abroad. Two players from Bulgaria's First League have made the cut: goalkeeper Marcio Rosa from Montana (third choice) and midfielder Deroi Duarte from Ludogorets.

Joining the squad is 35-year-old Gary Rodriguez, currently playing for Apollon in Limassol, who played for Levski 12 years ago. Cape Verde will play two friendly matches ahead of the tournament: against Serbia on May 31 in Lisbon and against the Bermudas on June 6 in New Jersey.

In Group N, the "blue sharks" will face European champions Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. The squad includes several experienced players, such as the goalkeeper Marcio from Montana, and Gary Rodriguez, who played for Levski in the past.

Cape Verde Squad:

Goalkeepers: Carlos dos Santos (San Diego), Marcio (Montana), Vozinha (Shavesh)

Defenders: Sidney Cabral (Benfica), Dinei Borges (Al Bateeh), Logan Kocha (Villarreal), Roberto Lopes (Shamrock Rovers), Stephen Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pinha (Trabzonspor), Calvin Pires (SIC Sanayok), Stopira (Torreense)

Midfielders: Telmo Arcanjo (Vitoria Guimaraes), Deroi Duarte (Ludogorets), Laroche Duarte (Pushka Academy), Joao Paulo Ferreira (Oţelul Galati), Jamiro Monteiro (PEK Zvolle), Calvin Pinha (FK Krasnodar), Yanick Semedo (Farense)

Forwards: Gilson Benchimol (Akrion Tolyatti), Giovane Cabral (Eschra Amadora), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Ryan Mendes (Udine), Nuno da Kocha (Besiktas), Gary Rodriguez (Apollon Limassol), Willi Semedo (Omonia Nicosia), Elio Valera (Maccabi Tel Aviv)