Cape Verde starting lineup vs Uruguay confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match
(Courtesy : Getty)
The Blue Sharks are coming off a historic World Cup debut against Spain.
Cape Verde will take on Uruguay in their second Group H match in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on June 21. With all four teams in the group on one point, tonight’s match is a good opportunity for both sides to take one step towards knockout qualification.
Tiny Cape Verde, who are making their World Cup debut in this year’s expanded 48-team edition, shocked the footballing world with a goalless draw against two-time champions Spain in their opener. A once-in-a-lifetime performance from 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha frustrated the Spanish attack, securing the African island nation an unexpected point.
The minnows will need to pull off something equally historic if they want to get the better of Uruguay, who remain a force to be reckoned with despite a draw against Saudi Arabia in their first match.
With a tough final group match against the Green Falcons still to come, head coach Bubista will hope that his side can pull off another upset in tonight’s match to clear a path for what would be a seismic qualification for the Round of 32.
Let’s look at the Cape Verde confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Uruguay:
Cape Verde (4-1-4-1): Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Roberto Lopes, Diney Borges, Sidny Lopes Cabral; Kevin Pina; Ryan Mendes (c), Telmo Arcanjo, Jamiro Monteiro, Garry Rodrigues; Gilson Benchimol.
Substitutes: Carlos Dos Santos (gk), Marcio Rosa (gk), Kelvin Pires, Logan Costa, Stopira, Wagner Pina, Deroy Duarte, Joao Paulo, Laros Duarte, Yannick Semedo, Dailon Livramento, Helio Varela, Jovane Cabral, Nuno da Costa, Willy Semedo.
Thoughts on the lineup
With no fresh injuries to contend with, Bubista will stick with a mostly unchanged side from their last match. Vozinha, the hero of the last match, keeps his place between the sticks and will need to be at his very best.
In front of him is Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes, the Irish-born defender recruited to the national team through LinkedIn. He is joined in central defence by Diney Borges. Columbus Crew centre-back Steven Moreira slots in at right-back, and Trabzonspor’s Sidny Lopes Cabral starts at left-back.
Kevin Pina, who performed superbly to break up the Spanish attacks in the last match, keeps his place as the lone defensive midfielder. Telmo Arcanjo and Jamiro Monteiro start in advanced roles, though the latter will certainly drop deep as the match progresses.
36-year-old captain Ryan Mendes and 35-year-old Garry Rodrigues start on the wings. They will link up with former Benfica youngster Gilson Benchimol, who starts as the lone striker.
When is Uruguay vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The Group H clash is scheduled for Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. In India, the match will kick off at 3:30 AM IST on June 22.
Where to watch Uruguay vs Cape Verde match in India?
Fans in India can watch the game live on Zee5 (premium subscription required) or on Unite8 Sports TV channels.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.