#68
FIFA Ranking
0
WC Appearances
Never qualified
Best Finish
—
Last World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
Cape Verde secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the Africa qualification pathway. As a CAF representative, they were among 9 teams from their confederation to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Currently ranked #68 in the FIFA World Rankings, Cape Verde enters the tournament as a underdog team with expectations to compete at the highest level. As potential World Cup debutants, they'll be eager to make their mark on the global stage.
Group H Analysis
Cape Verde has been drawn in Group H and will face three opponents in the group stage. Each team plays 3 matches, with the top 2 advancing automatically and 8 best third-place teams also qualifying for the Round of 32.
Group H Opponents
Spain
FIFA Ranking: #8 • Elite opponent
Saudi Arabia
FIFA Ranking: #56 • Challenging opponent
Uruguay
FIFA Ranking: #14 • Strong opponent
Group H Fixtures for Cape Verde
Match 15
Jun 15, 2026
Spain
vs.
Cape Verde
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Match 34
Jun 21, 2026
Uruguay
vs.
Cape Verde
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Match 58
Jun 26, 2026
Cape Verde
vs.
Saudi Arabia
NRG Stadium, Houston
Tournament Outlook
Realistic Expectations
Compete hard in every match and aim to pick up points. Finishing third with a chance at advancement or causing an upset would exceed expectations.
Best-Case Scenario
Pull off surprising results and sneak into the knockout stage as a third-place qualifier. World Cups reward teams that fight until the final whistle.
Key Challenges
Facing technically superior opponents and managing the physical demands of tournament football. Staying organized defensively while creating goal-scoring opportunities will be key.
Can Cape Verde Win the World Cup?
Cape Verde faces long odds to win the World Cup, but the beauty of tournament football is that any team can have their moment. The expanded 48-team format gives more nations the opportunity to compete and potentially cause upsets.
For Cape Verde, success in 2026 means competing with pride, gaining valuable experience, and potentially picking up points or even advancing from the group stage. Every journey starts somewhere, and participation in the World Cup is a significant achievement in itself.
World Cup History
Cape Verde will be making their FIFA World Cup debut in 2026! This marks a historic moment for the nation and its football program.
Qualifying for the World Cup for the first time represents years of development, investment in football infrastructure, and the hard work of players, coaches, and administrators. The 2026 tournament will provide invaluable experience and exposure on the global stage.
While Cape Verde may not have World Cup history yet, every legendary football nation had to start somewhere. This debut could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the country's sporting story.
Predict Cape Verde's Tournament Journey
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Cape Verde play at World Cup 2026?▾
Cape Verde will play their first group stage match on June 15, 2026 against Spain. All three group stage matches will be completed by late June 2026, with knockout stage dates depending on their final group position.
Who is in Group H with Cape Verde?▾
Cape Verde has been drawn into Group H alongside Spain, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top 2 teams automatically advancing to the Round of 32 and the 8 best third-place teams also qualifying.
What is Cape Verde's best World Cup finish?▾
Cape Verde's best World Cup finish is Never qualified. They will be looking to improve on this result at the 2026 tournament.
Can Cape Verde win the World Cup 2026?▾
While Cape Verde faces long odds to win the tournament outright, football is known for its surprises. Their realistic goal for 2026 is to advance from the group stage and gain momentum in the knockout rounds. Success builds over time, and a strong showing in 2026 could set the foundation for future World Cup campaigns. Every underdog story starts somewhere.