Cape Verde’s Captain Leads a Historic World Cup Qualification—A Dream Realized on the Global Stage
Cape Verde clinched a first-ever World Cup berth for 2026, guided by captain Ryan Mendes. The 35-year-old led a decisive 3-0 win over Eswatini to seal the visa to the USA, Mexico, and Canada. This achievement crowns a long-term project rooted in Portuguese football heritage and a cohesive generation. The archipelago now eyes a memorable run on football’s biggest stage and a bright future for Cape Verdean football.