Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes hails “dream” World Cup moment

Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes says reaching the FIFA World Cup represents a lifelong ambition fulfilled, describing the moment as one he has “always dreamed” of while expressing hope that the achievement will inspire future generations across the country.

Mendes, who has represented the national team for nearly 16 years, believes the tournament will have a lasting impact beyond football, opening up opportunities for young people in the archipelago nation.

“There is talent in every sport in Cape Verde,” he said. “There’s music too. There’s so much to see in this country.”

The qualification has triggered renewed attention on football development in Cape Verde, where the national team—known as the Blue Sharks—has seen growing media coverage in recent years.

That visibility, according to local voices, is reshaping aspirations among the youth, who are increasingly looking beyond global icons such as Lionel Messi to identify with their own national team stars.

“Our level is very good,” said Nedio, a local observer, adding that while “our children have natural talent, we don’t have many resources” to fully develop it.

Despite those limitations, football remains deeply embedded in everyday life. At Gamboa Beach in Praia, makeshift pitches are often filled in the evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Young players improvise with bare feet, using tyres as goalposts in the absence of proper equipment—an image that has become symbolic of the country’s grassroots football culture.

Jorge Pina, speaking amid the bustle of one such gathering, said the national mood is one of celebration.

“For us, football is like cachupa,” he said, referring to Cape Verde’s traditional dish. “Football morning, noon and night—Cape Verde is all about football.”

The Blue Sharks will make their World Cup debut in Group H, where they face Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, marking a defining moment in the country’s sporting history and a new chapter for one of Africa’s emerging football stories.