Cape Verde have appointed Humberto Bettencourt as their new head coach, with the Blue Sharks opting for continuity following their historic 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The 51-year-old succeeds Bubista, who left the national team to take charge of Moroccan club RS Berkane.
Bettencourt spent six years as Bubista’s assistant and was part of the technical team that guided Cape Verde to their first appearance at the 2026 World Cup.
His familiarity with the squad, playing philosophy and structures behind the team’s recent success played a major role in the federation’s decision to promote him.
Continuing the World Cup project
Cape Verde emerged as one of the surprise teams at the 2026 World Cup, producing a memorable campaign against some of the world’s leading sides.
The Blue Sharks became the only team to avoid defeat against eventual champions Spain and also held Uruguay to a draw.
Their tournament eventually ended against Argentina in the Round of 32, but Cape Verde pushed the South Americans into extra time.
Bettencourt was part of the coaching staff throughout that campaign and will now be tasked with building on those performances.
Six years alongside Bubista
Having worked closely with Bubista for six years, Bettencourt already knows the players and the methods that have helped establish Cape Verde as an increasingly competitive force in African football.
His promotion allows the federation to avoid a major overhaul at a time when expectations around the national team are higher than ever.
However, Bettencourt will now face the challenge of moving from assistant to head coach and taking full responsibility for the team’s results.
He will be expected to preserve the organisation and competitiveness that characterised the World Cup campaign while also putting his own stamp on the team.
AFCON qualifiers the first major test
Bettencourt’s first major competitive assignment will be the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with key fixtures scheduled for the September and October international windows.
