Coach Bubista has drawn up a 58-man squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Among the candidates, four players from France’s semi-professional leagues could represent the Blue Sharks this summer.
Cape Verde is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup with a bold pre-selection list. Head coach Bubista, in charge since 2020, has named 58 players for consideration ahead of the global tournament. Among the notable inclusions, four players currently competing in France’s National 1 and National 2 divisions have been called up: Elson Mendes (Sochaux, 1 cap), Dylan Tavares (Sochaux, 20 caps), Kenny Rocha Santos (Rouen, 30 caps), and goalkeeper Henrique Tavares (FC Rousset, N2, 1 cap). Their inclusion highlights the depth of the Franco-Cape Verdean football community thriving within France’s lower professional divisions.
The final decision is expected this Monday, when all four players will learn whether they have made the cut for the World Cup squad. Kenny Rocha Santos, with 30 international caps, is a key figure in the setup, while Henrique Tavares’ inclusion from National 2 stands as one of the most exciting surprises on the list. This pre-selection once again demonstrates how French semi-professional football continues to be a vital talent pool for African national teams on the world stage.