Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes under police investigation during World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 1:23 AM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026
Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under police investigation in New Zealand as the team progresses in the World Cup. The investigation follows allegations of rape made by a Brazilian woman, which reportedly occurred on March 27. No charges have been filed against Mendes, and he has played in all three of Cape Verde's group stage matches. As of June 29, no disciplinary action has been announced by FIFA or Cape Verde Football Federation before their Round of 32 match against Argentina on July 3. The New Zealand police continue to gather evidence, including hotel surveillance footage, as the investigation remains active.
- •Ryan Mendes is under investigation for allegations made by a Brazilian woman.
- •The incident reportedly occurred in March during a team stay in Auckland.
- •Mendes has played in all three of Cape Verde's matches in the World Cup.
- •Cape Verde is set to face Argentina on July 3 in the knockout stage.
- •New Zealand police are awaiting forensic examination results in the case.
- 2:20 PMYahoo Sports — Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes reportedly under investigation for alleged rape
- 1:44 AMYahoo Sports — FIFA Responds to Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Investigation During World Cup
- 1:23 AMYahoo Sports — Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Under Police Investigation During World Cup Run
"Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under police investigation in New Zealand during the team’s Cinderella World Cup run, according to a report. The post Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Under Police Investigation During World Cup Run appeared first on HEAVY.
"FIFA issued a statement after a report said a woman sought help from Cape Verde officials in the Ryan Mendes investigation. The post FIFA Responds to Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Investigation During World Cup appeared first on HEAVY.
"Ryan Mendes holds Cape Verde's record for appearances with its national team.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 30, 2026, 2:20 PMCape Verde captain Ryan Mendes reportedly under investigation for alleged rape
Ryan Mendes holds Cape Verde's record for appearances with its national team.
- Yahoo SportsJun 29, 2026, 1:44 AMFIFA Responds to Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Investigation During World Cup
FIFA issued a statement after a report said a woman sought help from Cape Verde officials in the Ryan Mendes investigation. The post FIFA Responds to Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Investigation During World Cup appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsJun 29, 2026, 1:23 AMCape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Under Police Investigation During World Cup Run
Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under police investigation in New Zealand during the team’s Cinderella World Cup run, according to a report. The post Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Under Police Investigation During World Cup Run appeared first on HEAVY.
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