Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup: odds, group and highlights

Cape Verde will make their historic debut at the 2026 World Cup, but the chances of victory are extremely slim. Bookmakers estimate the probability of the Blue Sharks winning the title at about 0.05%, or odds of 2000/1, which reflects the difficulty of a debutant facing traditional teams such as Spain, Brazil or Argentina.

In Group H, Cape Verde will face Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, being considered the best of the group. According to the odds of some bookmakers:

• Spain: 1/5

• Uruguay: 4/1

• Saudi Arabia: 16/1

• Cape Verde: 50/1

Despite this, there are moderate chances of qualifying for the next stage of the tournament, with odds of 13/8 to advance and 4/9 to be eliminated in the group stage. The team relies on the talents of names like Ryan Mendes, the all-time top scorer and captain, and Sidny Cabral, who is responsible for the team's main moves.

Even without favorites for the top scorer's award, Cape Verde is betting on the experience of Mendes, who could make history, and on young promises like David Moreira. The team usually plays in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on solid defense and quick transitions, under coach Bubista.

Despite the odds not being in their favor, the mere presence in the World Cup is already a historic milestone for Cape Verde and puts the Blue Sharks on the world soccer map.