This piece forms part of the Guardian's 2026 World Cup Specialists' Network, a partnership among top media groups from the 48 qualified nations. theguardian.com shares previews from three countries each day ahead of the tournament opening on 11 June.

The plan

“Let's enjoy ourselves. We have reached the World Cup, so now we can celebrate together.” – Dailon Livramento

The Blue Sharks of Cape Verde find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they prepare for their World Cup debut, yet few would doubt their ability to cope. The small island group off west Africa began World Cup qualifying in 2000, but their rapid rise suggests they can handle the demands of global football. Their national motto, morabeza, roughly means “stay relaxed”. They will rely on that outlook when facing Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H.

Coach Pedro Leitao Brito, known as Bubista, has assembled a diverse 26-man group drawn from 25 clubs across 14 nations. More squad members were born in Rotterdam (six) than in the capital Praia. For a nation shaped by migration, balancing varied backgrounds and languages comes naturally and is viewed as a strength.

“Bringing together people with distinct outlooks happens through respecting each player's individuality,” Bubista said after sealing qualification before a lively crowd in Praia.

The core group has remained stable for nearly five years. While strong and organised defensively, the side also favours the skilful style typical of island football, led by forwards such as Ryan Mendes, Willy Semedo and Jovane Cabral. “Being a smaller nation does not mean we surrender possession,” Irish-born defender Pico Lopes of Shamrock Rovers told the On The Whistle podcast. “We retain quality and a sharp edge in attack.”

The main concern is the fitness of Logan Costa. The Villarreal centre-back stands out as the team's top-level talent, yet the France-born player has not featured this season after suffering an ACL injury last summer.

The coach

Bubista grew up modestly. His father worked as a lift operator and shepherd while his mother raised their 10 children on Boa Vista island. “Education mattered most to the family, and they supported all the children through school, even purchasing a house in Mindelo on Sao Vicente island so the boys could study,” said Bubista's cousin Paulo Santos.

Football prevailed, however, and Bubista played in Portugal, Spain and Angola while captaining the national side for almost a decade. Nicknamed “the silent captain” during his playing days, he speaks sparingly and demands high standards. His firm approach and rule that players use only Creole on international duty have shaped a cohesive unit over six years. “Creole is the team's official language,” he said. “Players sometimes switch to other tongues, but I prevent that to preserve our Cape Verdean character.”

Star player

In 2012 Leicester scout Steve Walsh visited Le Havre and identified future Premier League, Champions League and Afcon winner Riyad Mahrez. At the time Walsh had gone to watch Ryan Mendes, then the standout talent from the club's renowned academy. Mendes moved to Lille as Eden Hazard's replacement before Leicester signed Mahrez. An ankle injury hampered his club progress, yet he remains perhaps Cape Verde's finest player. As captain and leading scorer, he could become the first to reach 100 caps at the World Cup. Now 36, his influence endures. “Ryan has been central for years and delivers whenever selected, scoring important goals,” said Pico.

One to watch

Few players have made such an immediate mark as Dailon Livramento. The striker joined the national team just over two years ago and has already become a hero. He netted four goals in qualifying, including two in Angola, the decisive strike against Cameroon and the opener versus Eswatini that launched their World Cup campaign. He supplied the focal point the side lacked despite its talented wingers. Born in Rotterdam to Cape Verdean singer Marizia, he is also a musician; his brother Jerzy belongs to Dutch hip-hop act Broederliefde, who performed at the Praia celebration after qualification.

Unsung hero

Kevin Pina has settled in Russia, helping Krasnodar claim their first league title in 2025. Having arrived from Portugal's second division, he remains little known beyond Cape Verde. With Deroy Duarte he anchors midfield, handling the defensive tasks that free the attackers. The tall midfielder is comfortable in possession and ranks among the team's best at progressing the ball. He rarely scores, but his goals often arrive from distance.

Probable starting XI

What to expect from fans at games?

With a $15,000 bond once required for US entry (later waived in May for Fifa pass holders, too late for most), few Blue Sharks supporters were expected. That assumption proved incorrect. More than 500,000 Cape Verdeans reside in the US, roughly matching the islands' population, and they will attend in force wearing blue. Blue shirts, flags and shark-themed hats will feature alongside lively music, Cape Verde's chief cultural export. From Eugenio Tavares to Cesaria Evora to Marizia, morna songs explore departure from the islands and pride abroad, fitting for a World Cup setting. Soraia Ramos's Nha Terra has become an unofficial anthem.

Relationship with the US/Trump?

“Many fans wanted to attend but cited Trump as the reason they would stay away,” said Andreia Levy, head of 12Tubaron, Cape Verde's sole supporters' club. Rooted in the Non-Aligned Movement yet dependent on remittances from its large US diaspora, Cape Verde must balance ties carefully. Inclusion on Trump's “Immigrant Welfare Recipient Rates by Country of Origin” list, the Iran conflict and entry difficulties have sparked anger. “Plenty are avoiding the US. Without Cape Verde I would never visit either,” Levy said. “Still, we must back the players.”