Pico Play today? Spain vs Cape Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Pico Lopes, the 33-year-old central defender born in Dublin, Ireland, will be one of Cape Verde’s highlights this Monday, at 1 pm (Brasília time), against Spain, in Atlanta. The match represents the historic debut of the Blue Tubarões in the 2026 World Cup, in Group H.

Roberto Carlos Lopes, known as Pico, was born in Crumlin, Dublin, to an Irish mother and a Cape Verdean father. He was invited to defend Cape Verde in an unusual way, through a message on LinkedIn sent by then coach Rui Águas, who saw a publication about his ancestry. He almost ignored the contact, thinking it was spam.

Since his first call-up in 2019, Pico has played more than 40 games for the national team. Captain of Irish League side Shamrock Rovers, he became the first active player in Irish football to play in the World Cup. At 1.86m tall, he stands out for his leadership and strength in defense.

Unique trajectory of Pico Lopes

Before dedicating himself full time to football, Pico balanced his career with a job at a bank. He played for Bohemians and is now a reference at Shamrock Rovers, where he won recent titles. His choice of Cape Verde, his father Carlos’ country of origin, changed his life.

In the African Qualifiers, the defender was essential for the direct place, helping to eliminate Cameroon. At 33 years old, he arrives at the World Cup motivated, after an emotional farewell to the Irish community with Cape Verdean flags.

Spain, the favorite in Group H

The Spanish team arrives unbeaten in 30 games, under the command of Luis de la Fuente. Winner of the European Cup and Nations League, she has sought to overcome early eliminations in World Cups since 2010.

Probable lineup for Spain: Unai Simón; Llorente, Laporte, Eric García and Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz; Dani Olmo (or Baena), Ferrán Torres and Oyarzabal.

Cape Verde has experience in defense

Bubista must field a solid defense, with Pico Lopes alongside teammates such as Logan Costa and Diney Borges.

Probable lineup for Cape Verde: Vozinha; Wagner Pina, Diney Borges (or Logan Costa), Pico Lopes and Sidny Cabral; Kelvin Pires, Telmo Arcanjo, Jamiro Monteiro, Jovane Cabral and Ryan Mendes; Nuno da Costa (or Livramento).

Arbitration and where to watch

Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (JOR) Assistants: Mohammad Al-Kalaf (JOR) and Ahmad Al-Roalle (JOR) Fourth referee: Andres Rojas (COL) VAR: Joe Dickerson (USA)

Real time: ge follows all bids. Transmission: Cazé TV.