The Cabo Verde national team plays in FIFA and confederation competitions.
Overview
The Cabo Verde national football team represents the archipelago nation of Cabo Verde and is governed by the Federação Caboverdiana de Futebol. The team competes under the nickname the Blue Sharks. For much of its early history, Cabo Verde had limited international exposure, but the team has grown steadily in prominence within African football. It has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations on multiple occasions, reaching the knockout stages and earning recognition as a competitive side on the continent.
The team draws players from both the domestic league and from the substantial Cabo Verdean diaspora in Europe, particularly from Portugal. This diaspora connection has broadened the talent pool considerably. The Blue Sharks have not won a major senior international title. Their style of play tends to be organised and defensively disciplined. The national team's progress reflects the broader development of football infrastructure and administration within the country over recent decades.
