Overview
- Cape Verde will open Group H against Spain on Monday, June 15 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta as they make their first World Cup appearance.
- The squad manager Rui Aguas submitted a 26‑man roster and the team has reported no major injuries while completing warm‑up friendlies ahead of the opener.
- Bookmakers list Cape Verde as longshots in outright title markets but previews mark group progression — likely via a top eight third‑place finish — as the most attainable objective.
- Tactically the side lines up in a compact 4-2-3-1 that prioritizes defensive organisation and quick transitions, with veteran goalkeeper Vozinha and captain Ryan Mendes leading a mix of older and younger players.
- The expanded 48‑team format and guaranteed TV carriage on major broadcasters mean Cape Verde’s results, especially the June 26 match with Saudi Arabia identified as their best chance for points, will carry sporting and commercial significance.