Cape Verde produced a commanding and confidence-boosting 3-0 victory over Serbia at the Estádio do Restelo in Lisbon, delivering a strong statement of intent just weeks before their maiden World Cup appearance.
The match, played on Sunday, May 31, 2026, saw the Blue Sharks outclass a Serbian side that, despite failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, were expected to provide a stern test. Instead, Cape Verde imposed themselves early, controlled large phases of the contest and completed a comprehensive win built on an impressive second-half surge.
Kevin Lenini set the tone for Bubista’s side with an early breakthrough in the 11th minute, giving Cape Verde a deserved lead after a bright start. The goal gave the African side confidence and they continued to dictate the tempo, limiting Serbia’s ability to respond meaningfully in the opening half.
After the interval, Cape Verde stepped up another gear and effectively put the contest beyond doubt with two quick goals in the space of four minutes. Laros Duarte doubled the advantage in the 59th minute, before Benschimol added a third in the 63rd minute to complete a decisive spell that underlined their attacking sharpness and composure in front of goal.
The result marked the first-ever meeting between the two nations, but there was little sign of Cape Verde being overawed by the occasion or the reputation of their European opponents. Instead, they delivered one of their most convincing performances in recent memory, reinforcing their growing reputation on the international stage.
The victory also continues an encouraging trajectory for Bubista’s team as they build towards their World Cup debut. During the FIFA Series in March, Cape Verde experienced mixed fortunes, falling 2-4 to Chile before drawing 1-1 with Finland and going on to win 4-2 on penalties. However, the dominant display against Serbia suggested a side that has matured and developed greater consistency since those outings.
There is now increasing anticipation around how far the Blue Sharks can go on football’s biggest stage. Their attacking efficiency, combined with a growing sense of confidence, will be key factors as preparations continue.
Attention will now quickly turn to their next major challenge, a high-profile clash on June 15 against Spain, widely regarded as the favourites in Group H and among the leading contenders for the tournament. That fixture is expected to provide a significantly sterner test and a clearer indication of Cape Verde’s readiness for their historic World Cup campaign.
For now, however, the emphatic win over Serbia serves as a timely boost and a reminder of their rising ambition on the global stage.
