Cape Verde rejects UEFA criticism as World Cup debut arrives

Cape Verde hits back at UEFA president

Cape Verde is one of 13 federations that signed a joint statement rejecting UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin's criticism of the expanded World Cup (3). "Football does not belong to a select group of nations," the group declared, pushing back against the idea that smaller countries dilute the tournament's quality. The statement lands on the same day the Blue Sharks make their World Cup debut, a coincidence that sharpens the message.

Bubista: respect the rivals, but no fear

Cape Verde manager Bubista spoke ahead of Monday's opener against Spain at the 2026 World Cup (2). "We have to respect our rivals... but without fear!" he said, setting the tone for a team that qualified for only its second major tournament in history.

Spain opener kicks off Monday

Cape Verde faces Spain in their first-ever World Cup match on Monday (1) (2) (5) (6). Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal is expected to play despite not being at full fitness (5). Nico Williams was rested for Spain's final warm-up match against Peru and should also feature (5). A tough draw, but the Blue Sharks step onto the world stage with nothing to lose.

Cucurella's Real Madrid move agreed

Spain left-back Marc Cucurella, one of the players Cape Verde will face on Monday, has agreed a £52 million move from Chelsea to Real Madrid (8) (9). The deal was finalized ahead of the World Cup, adding an extra layer of attention to a Spain defender the Blue Sharks will need to get past.

Fan-reaktioner

The joint statement from 13 federations, including Cape Verde, has sparked a broader conversation among fans about who gets a say in how football is run. Many supporters see the expanded World Cup as a rare chance for smaller nations to share the stage, and Čeferin's comments have been met with sharp pushback. Read the full discussion on r/soccer.