A remarkable performance marked Cape Verde’s debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, earning a crucial draw against the powerful Spain team and then matching up on the field with fellow world champions Uruguay. The big question that arises is: what is the origin of the serenity that the Cape Verdean team displays in moments of high pressure?
Initially, analysts from Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ predicted a challenging scenario for Cape Verde, facing two powers such as Spain and Uruguay. However, both before and after the memorable 0-0 draws with the Spanish and 2-2 with the Uruguayans, the team demonstrated unusual composure, acting as if it were any other day. This mental attitude, rare for a debutant against giants, became a strategic pillar that allowed the team to compete on equal footing.
For player Kevin Pina, the formula for this state of mind is straightforward: “The main point is our unity within the squad, our brotherhood. We all remain calm. We are aware of our capacity and what we are accomplishing. It does not represent an extraordinary difficulty. We aim to show the world who we are and raise the level of our country”, he declared.
The midfielder added that his heart remains calm. “After the initial confrontation [with Spain], we understood that it is not something out of this world. It is not a big deal. Obviously, there are athletes of the highest quality, but on the field they are all equal. The difference lies in who wants it most, who gives themselves to the fight to achieve the result”, added the athlete.
The team’s attitude seems to reflect an exemplary leadership model coming from coach Bubista. Since before the games, the coach assured that his group had no reason to feel any type of prior apprehension, and this promised calm was noticeable in his speech.
“For my part, I’m calm. We didn’t come here just to participate; we came to compete. My team has no reason to feel nervous,” said Bubista. At the same time, he expressed his deep respect for the formidable Spain team, and later, also for Uruguay. “There’s nothing like facing two world champions [Spain and Uruguay] and Saudi Arabia, a strong Asian team. This is a fantastic way to introduce our nation to the world.”
During the game against Spain, although goalkeeper Vozinha’s brilliant performance was the obvious highlight, Cape Verde impressed with its mastery of controlling emotions and anxiety, even when facing star player Lamine Yamal. “We always try to remain calm. We enjoy the match responsibly, but we compete without fear”, explained Bubista.
Six days later, in Miami, on the eve of the match against Uruguay, Bubista’s tone remained unchanged, even though the environment around the Cape Verdean team had undergone a complete transformation after the feat achieved against the Spanish.
The coach and players were, undeniably, infected by the fervor of their compatriots spread globally and on social media, in addition to the support of fans of different nationalities. It was impossible to ignore. “Everything that has happened has been very intense,” admitted striker Garry Rodrigues. “Clearly, we are human beings, we are attentive to what is said, but we are also professionals. Our players are focused, they have a goal and they know where they want to go. The match against Spain is in the past.”
Recognizing and accepting this affection is one thing; letting yourself get carried away too much is another. “Our population has been celebrating a lot”, said Bubista. “I myself declared before we arrived that we should not allow any other place to celebrate more than us, as we are such a small country, but one that shows bravery to fight for the most challenging achievements.”
Coach Bubista continued: “The celebration takes place more externally than in our concentration. Outside, on social media, in Cape Verde or in any part of the world where there are Cape Verdeans. We had moments of great satisfaction, we are happy to have proven that, in addition to nothing being impossible, smaller nations can face great teams and seek results. However, we maintain serenity, aware that our concentration needs to be at 200%. We wish to live in the present.”
Draws against Spain and Uruguay are already part of Cape Verde’s past and history. Now, the Cape Verdeans’ next mission is to try to overcome Saudi Arabia on June 26th, with the match scheduled for 7pm local time in Houston (9pm in Brasília, 11pm in Praia, and 1am on the 27th in Lisbon). “We know the power of Uruguay, another world and South American champion. However, from the beginning, we said that, regardless of the result against Spain, we would always maintain a good mental level”, added Bubista.
“Our philosophy is to always compete with audacity, organization and also without fear. We will play, or try to play, our game; obviously, we had a good defensive performance and we are looking to improve our way of attacking. I hope we can achieve that.”