Roberto Lopes set to represent Cape Verde against Spain in World Cup debut
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 1:19 AM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Roberto Lopes is expected to start for Cape Verde in their World Cup match against Spain on Monday at 17:00 BST in Atlanta. Previously a bank worker in Dublin, Lopes was recruited on LinkedIn by Cape Verde's coach Rui Aguas due to his father's heritage. The defender has been a member of the national squad since 2019 and helped the team qualify for their first World Cup. Cape Verde's participation in the 2026 World Cup marks a significant achievement for the nation, which ranks 67th in the world and has a population of around 525,000.
- •Roberto Lopes faces Spain in Cape Verde's World Cup debut on June 15.
- •Lopes was recruited on LinkedIn after a career in banking.
- •Cape Verde is one of the smallest countries in the World Cup.
- •The team's world ranking is 67th, showcasing significant progress.
- •Lopes became a father just before Cape Verde's World Cup qualification.
- 1:19 AMYahoo Sports — How Cape Verde World Cup star was recruited via LinkedIn message by nation’s former head coach
- 8:24 AMYahoo Sports — Dublin-born Cape Verde star recruited on LinkedIn gets World Cup chance
- 8:24 AMBBC Sport — Recruited on LinkedIn, set to face Spain - the Dublin-born Cape Verde star
"Roberto Lopes’ World Cup debut for Cape Verde already felt unlikely before the Spain result made his story even harder to ignore. The Shamrock Rovers defender was born in Ireland, built his club career in Dublin and once worked in banking before becoming a full-time footballer.
"They are one of the smallest countries to play in a World Cup, but Cape Verde are aiming high, with a Dublin-born defender who used to work in a bank among their ranks.
"They are one of the smallest countries to play in a World Cup, but Cape Verde are aiming high, with a Dublin-born defender who used to work in a bank among their ranks.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 1:19 AMHow Cape Verde World Cup star was recruited via LinkedIn message by nation’s former head coach
Roberto Lopes’ World Cup debut for Cape Verde already felt unlikely before the Spain result made his story even harder to ignore. The Shamrock Rovers defender was born in Ireland, built his club career in Dublin and once worked in banking before becoming a full-time footballer.
- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 8:24 AMDublin-born Cape Verde star recruited on LinkedIn gets World Cup chance
They are one of the smallest countries to play in a World Cup, but Cape Verde are aiming high, with a Dublin-born defender who used to work in a bank among their ranks.
- BBC SportJun 15, 2026, 8:24 AMRecruited on LinkedIn, set to face Spain - the Dublin-born Cape Verde star
They are one of the smallest countries to play in a World Cup, but Cape Verde are aiming high, with a Dublin-born defender who used to work in a bank among their ranks.
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