Where to follow Cape Verde stars after their exit from the 2026 World Cup

Cape Verde has wowed the world with its inspiring run at the 2026 World Cup. This island nation of just 600,000 people, nestled within an archipelago off the west coast of Africa, fielded a squad of players who did not back down even against the tournament's top-seeded teams. During the group stage, they managed to pick up points against former World Cup winners such as Spain and Uruguay, before drawing with Saudi Arabia and booking their place in the round of 16. And their magic continued, as they faced Argentina, the defending champions, and tied with their first goal in regular time, and another in extra time when Sidny Lopes Cabral scored the goal of the tournament. In the end, Argentina found the winner, but Cape Verde also emerged victorious and will be remembered for their bravery as a team under pressure.

So what awaits the players who led Cape Verde to their first appearance in the round of 16? Vozinha became an internet star thanks to his heroic performances for Cape Verde, appearing on FOX's "FIFA World Cup After Hours with James Corden" and increasing his social media following by 20 million in two weeks. Vozinha is currently a free agent, giving him the opportunity to cash in on his newfound fame.

As for Lopes Cabral, he won over the fans when he scored the goal of the tournament in extra time against Argentina before running to the stands to celebrate with the Cape Verde fans. He has secured a €10m move to Turkish club Trabzonspor after spending last season in Portugal with Benfica.

As for Kevin Pina, he registered his name in Cape Verde's history when he scored their first goal in the World Cup against Uruguay. Pina has been playing for Russian club Krasnodar since 2022, and has signed a contract extension with the club in 2024 to remain in Russia until June 2027.

Deroy Duarte made his mark in the tournament by scoring the equalizer against Argentina to force extra time. Duarte plays in Bulgaria with Ludogorets, where he spent the first eight years of his professional career in the Netherlands before moving to the club in 2024. He is under contract until 2028.

Cape Verde would not have qualified for the round of 16 without Hélio Varela, who scored the equalizer against Uruguay in the group stage. Varela plays for Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Ryan Mendes captained Cape Verde to its first World Cup and is the team's all-time captain. Mendes is currently a free agent after spending last season with Turkish club Igdir.

Roberto "Pico" Lopes led Cape Verde's defense in the World Cup where he played every minute of the tournament. He captains Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier League and is entering his tenth year with the club.

Steven Moreira has shown his defensive strength against some of the best strikers in the world, and is relied upon as a key part of his team's defence. Moreira plays in the United States with the Columbus Crew FC, and was a key figure in their two MLS titles (2023) and League Cup (2024). He will be a free agent at the end of the season.

As for Jovane Cabral, he was a key player for Cape Verde during the tournament, playing 214 minutes and starting matches against Uruguay and Spain. Cabral plays for Estrela da Amadora in the Portuguese League.

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