Cape Verde national football team

Mens national football team.

The Cape Verde national football team, known as Tubarões Azuis (Blue Sharks), represents Cape Verde in men's international football. It is governed by the Cape Verdean Football Federation (Federação Caboverdiana de Futebol) and is a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The team's colors are blue and white, reflecting the national identity of Cape Verde.

Cape Verde has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup but has participated in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, achieving their best results by reaching the quarter-finals in 2013 and 2023. The team made its first appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 after a remarkable qualification campaign that included a stunning aggregate victory over Cameroon.

The team's highest FIFA ranking was 27th, achieved in February 2014, while their lowest was 182nd in April 2000. As of October 2024, they are ranked 72nd. Cape Verde plays its home matches at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde located in Praia.

Ryan Mendes holds the record for most caps with 84 appearances and is also the top scorer with 21 goals. The team is currently coached by Bubista, who has been instrumental in developing the squad's competitive edge.

Cape Verde's football history includes notable victories, such as a 7-1 win against São Tomé and Príncipe in June 2015. The team has also enjoyed success in regional competitions, winning the Amílcar Cabral Cup in 2000 and securing a gold medal at the Lusophony Games in 2009.