It seems that at present the main Cape Verde news is all about the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Cape Verde national football team – the Blue Sharks – is now in the US. Their first World Cup game is on 15 June against Spain. As with the other participant teams, they have been playing friendly, warm-up matches since their arrival in the States. The first of these matches was against Serbia, when Serbia won 3-0. However, the Blue Sharks then played against Bermuda and won 3-0. These preliminary matches have been attended by some of the Cape Verdean diaspora in the United States. Their support was enthusiastic in both stadiums in which these games were played. There is a large diaspora in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
There are flights from Praia on Santiago island to Boston and Rhode Island in the USA. However, it is not clear how many Cape Verdean residents will be able to support their team in person. Travel and visa restrictions introduced by the US government, plus the very expensive tickets for the games, will make this difficult. This is not just a problem for Cape Verdeans, but for football supporters from a number of countries. It is anticipated, however, that the Cape Verdeans living in the US will give their team some lively support.
The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19. Matches are being played in USA, Mexico and Canada. Cape Verde supporters at home will be watching their team enthusiastically.
[10 June 2026]
