Cape Verde prepares for historic 2026 World Cup debut against Spain, relying on diaspora talent
via SeneNews7 min read
Cape Verde is set to make its historic debut at the 2026 World Cup, facing Spain in its first match on June 15. The team, known as the Blue Sharks, is led by coach Pedro Leitao Brito, also known as "Bubista," who previously captained the team from 1991 to 2005. Bubista became the national coach in 2020 and led the team to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, a feat previously achieved in 2013. Their qualification for the World Cup marks a significant milestone for the island nation, which has a population of 525,000 and an area of 4,033 km2. The Cape Verdean Football Federation was established in 1982, seven years after gaining independence from Portugal, and the national team first participated in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013. The team's success is partly attributed to its diaspora, with many players born abroad to Cape Verdean families who immigrated to various European countries. While key players like goalkeeper Vozinha and captain Ryan Mendes were born in Cape Verde, others like full-back Steven Moreira and central defender Logan Costa were born in France. Costa, who plays for Villarreal, is the only player on the 26-man World Cup squad to play in one of Europe's top five leagues. Cape Verde is in a challenging Group H, alongside favorites Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. Bubista humorously noted that his wish to face the best teams was granted. The team will need to secure results away from home, as they have previously defeated strong nations like
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Waly Diouf Bodian has been dismissed from his position as Director General of the National Society of the Autonomous Port of Dakar PAD on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Doune Pathé Mbengue, a civil administrator and principal inspector of Taxes and Estates, has been appointed as the new Director General. Mbengue's appointment was part of new individual measures adopted by the government, following his initial nomination during the Council of Ministers on April 24, 2024, shortly after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye came to power. He officially took office on May 13, 2024, succeeding Mountaga Sy. Waly Diouf Bodian, a long-standing executive and activist of the PASTEF party, was known for his close ties to Ousmane Sonko. His dismissal occurs amidst a tense political climate, marked by Ousmane Sonko's move into the opposition after leaving the Prime Minister's office and his election as head of the National Assembly, where he now exercises increased legislative oversight over the executive. Bodian had recently stated he did not wish to leave his post without prior consultation with his party, and his dismissal is seen as a consequence of his loyalty to the PASTEF leader.
During a Council of Ministers meeting on July 16, 2026, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye approved 32 significant appointments within the public administration. These changes span various ministries and institutions, aiming to strengthen governance and optimize public services. Key appointments include Couro Kane as Secretary General of the Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority ARTP, El Hadji Allé Birima Fall as Director of Normative Activity, and Doune Pathé Mbengue as Director General of the Autonomous Port of Dakar National Company. Other notable designations include Mamadou Thiaw as Director General of the National Agency for Maritime Affairs ANAM, Soulèye Kane as Director General of the Vocational Training Financing Fund 3FPT, and Mame Awa Ndoye as Director General of the National Office for Vocational Training ONFP. In the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs, and Senegalese Abroad, Fatou Gaye Ngom was appointed Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Mamadou Ndiaye as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, and Mamadou Ba as Consul General in Bordeaux. The Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene saw several changes, including Karamba Diallo as Director General of SEN-National Supply Pharmacy SEN-PNA and numerous regional health director appointments. The Ministry of Mines and Geology also received new leadership, with Cheikh Sadibou Diop as Secretary General and Lamine Diouf as Director General of Mines and Geology.
Ibrahim Mbaye, the 18-year-old Senegalese international winger, is preparing to depart Paris Saint-Germain in pursuit of more playing time. Under contract with PSG until 2028, Mbaye is considered one of African football's top prospects but has faced limited opportunities due to strong offensive competition from players like Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola. His career management has recently been taken over by renowned agent Jorge Mendes, known for orchestrating major European transfers. This development is expected to accelerate discussions with several clubs from the Premier League and Bundesliga that are interested in signing him before the transfer window closes. Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Tottenham are among the English clubs reportedly tracking Mbaye, while Borussia Dortmund in Germany has also shown interest. Mbaye's ambitions are focused on a top-tier league, ruling out a move to Championship club Wolverhampton, despite its historical ties to Mendes. While Paris Saint-Germain is open to retaining the young talent, they would seek a significant financial gain if he departs, valuing him between 40 and 50 million euros, and might include a buy-back clause to maintain future control.