Ryan Mendes, the captain and greatest player in the history of Cape Verde, aged 36, will be the highlight of the Blue Tubarões this Monday, at 1 pm (Brasília time), against Spain, in Atlanta. The match opens the first round of Group H of the 2026 World Cup and represents the historic debut of the African team in the tournament.
Ryan Isaac Mendes da Graça was born on January 8, 1990, in Mindelo (or Fogo), Cape Verde. At 36 years old and 1.78m tall, the experienced striker plays as a winger and is the team’s most-capped player and all-time top scorer, with 96 caps and 22 goals.
The veteran left Cape Verde at a young age to pursue a career in Europe, playing for clubs such as Le Havre, Lille, Nottingham Forest, Sharjah, Kayserispor and others. He currently plays for Iğdır FK, from the Turkish second division, where he continues to perform at a high level even in the final stretch of his career.
Ryan Mendes’ record-breaking career
Since making his debut for the national team in 2010, Ryan Mendes has accumulated historic achievements, such as Cape Verde’s best campaign in the African Cup of Nations (quarter-finals) and an unprecedented place in the World Cup. As captain since 2023, he was instrumental in the Qualifiers, scoring decisive goals.
At 36 years old, the striker arrives at the World Cup as a leader and inspiration for the group. His longevity and dedication from the streets of Mindelo to football’s biggest stage symbolize the debutant team’s overcoming against powers like Spain.
Spain arrives as big favorite
The Spanish team, unbeaten in 30 games under Luis de la Fuente, is one of the main candidates for the title. Winner of the European Championship and the League of Nations, she seeks 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 bets on the captain’s experience
Bubista should line up the team with Ryan Mendes as a reference in attack, alongside names like Jovane Cabral and Nuno da Costa.
Probable lineup for Cape Verde: Vozinha; Wagner Pina (or Steven Moreira), Diney Borges, Pico Lopes and Sidny Cabral; Kevin Lenini, Deroy Duarte, 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.