Cape Verde national football team

The Cape Verde national football team represents Cape Verde in men's international football and is governed by the Cape Verdean Football Federation.

The Cape Verde national football team represents Cape Verde in men's international football and is governed by the Cape Verdean Football Federation. Nicknamed the Blue Sharks, the team played its first match in 1978 and later became a regular competitor in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying and FIFA World Cup qualifying. In 2025, Cape Verde qualified for its first FIFA World Cup finals.

History

The team played its first match in 1978 and became eligible for major international competition after the federation joined CAF and FIFA in the 1980s. It later established itself as a recurring participant in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying and World Cup qualifying.

Competitive record

Cape Verde qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2013 and repeated the achievement in 2015, 2021, and 2023. Its best AFCON finishes were quarter-final appearances in 2013 and 2023, and it later reached its first FIFA World Cup finals.

Team identity

The side is commonly known as the Blue Sharks, reflecting the Portuguese nickname Tubarões Azuis. Its home matches are usually played at Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde in Praia.

Administration and personnel

The national team is run by the Cape Verdean Football Federation, which also oversees domestic football in the country. Recent sources identify Bubista as head coach and Ryan Mendes as captain.