Who is Kevin Pina? Cape Verde midfielder who scored free-kick vs Uruguay in FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
(Courtesy : Getty)
The Blue Sharks player scored a direct free-kick against Uruguay in tonight’s match.
Kevin Pina scored a stunning free-kick to give Cape Verde a shock lead against Uruguay in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H clash at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on June 21. The tiny West African nation, who secured a historic draw against Spain in their opener, are in a strong position to secure another upset result.
After soaking up pressure from Uruguay in the opening phase of the game, the Blue Sharks seized a set-piece opportunity handed to them in the 21st minute. Telmo Arcanjo, one of the three changes made to the starting line-up by head coach Bubista, was clipped by Rodrigo Bentancur, earning the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder a yellow card.
Defensive midfielder Pina took the free-kick, which was well over 30 yards away from Fernando Muslera’s goal. Instead of playing a ball into the box as was expected, the 29-year-old went straight for glory, firing a rocket strike into the bottom corner.
It flew past the horde of bodies, giving the goalkeeper little time to react. It beat Muslera’s reach and nestled into the bottom right corner. The goal, which marked Cape Verde’s first goal in FIFA’s flagship tournament, sparked huge celebrations from the players and supporters of the debutants.
Also Read: Who is Alireza Beiranvand? Iran goalkeeper who made super saves vs Belgium in FIFA World Cup 2026
Kevin Pina Profile
- Age: 29
- Position: Defensive midfielder (primary), left back
- Club: FC Krasnodar (Russia)
Born in Praia, Pina started his youth career with local side Tchadense. He moved to Portuguese club UD Oliveirense in 2017 and made his senior debut in a second-division clash against Benfica B in January 2018. After that, he spent a couple of seasons on loan with Anadia and Sertanense.
He was signed by GD Chaves in 2019. After a stint with their reserve side, he played for the senior side in 2020 and made 39 appearances for the club. After helping Chaves earn promotion to the Primeira Liga and making five top-flight appearances, he left for FC Krasnoda, with the Russian club paying a transfer fee of 1.2 million euros.
So far, he has made 86 appearances in the Russian Premier League. He finished last season with 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals.
Pina made his international debut for the Blue Sharks in 2022, playing in a friendly match against Liechtenstein. He also represented his nation in the 2023 AFCON, helping them secure a shock win against Ghana.
He has 33 international caps to his name. Sunday’s free-kick goal, which was only the second direct free-kick scored in the FIFA World Cup 2026, was his fourth goal for his nation. He also has one assist to his name.
Who is Kevin Pina?
He is a 29‑year‑old defensive midfielder for FC Krasnodar in Russia and a key player for Cape Verde.
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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.