Cabo Verde honoured, Benfica represented by Sidny Cabral before World Cup | OneFootball

Cabo Verde’s national team have been honoured by president José Maria Neves weeks before the 2026 World Cup, with Benfica winger Sidny Cabral included.

According to Glorioso 1904, the head of state recognised the squad, the federation and technical staff after historic qualification, in a ceremony that also marked preparations for a first appearance at the tournament.

Neves said the achievement shows how unity around a shared ideal can overcome obstacles, adding that the moment reflects the country’s strength and identity. He also described the national team as Cabo Verde’s leading calling card.

The final 2026 squad features several Portugal-based players, notably Cabral. Others include Vozinha of Desportivo de Chaves, Stopira of Torreense, Telmo Arcanjo of Vitória de Guimarães, Yannick Semedo of Vizela, Jovane Cabral of Estrela da Amadora and Dailon Livramento of Casa Pia, underlining close ties with the Portuguese league.

The Blue Sharks will compete in Group H with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The expanded finals will feature 48 teams and run from 11 June to 19 July in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Cabral, valued at five million euros, has played 28 competitive matches this season for Estrela da Amadora and Benfica, 23 in Liga Portugal Betclic, two in the Champions League, two in the Taça de Portugal and one in the Taça da Liga. Across 1,835 minutes he has recorded six goals and six assists.

Source: Glorioso 1904