Roberto Lopes, the Shamrock Rovers centre-back, has been included in Cape Verde's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone for the League of Ireland stalwart.

A Dublin-born international

Born in Dublin to a Cape Verdean father and an Irish mother, Lopes made his international debut for Cape Verde in 2019. He had previously made one appearance for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s back in 2011 before committing his international future to the Blue Sharks.

The 33-year-old has been a cornerstone of Shamrock Rovers since joining the club in 2017, making 269 appearances and scoring 21 goals. Last year, he captained Rovers to their first domestic double since 1987, adding to the club's record 22 League of Ireland Premier Division titles.

Cape Verde's historic World Cup journey

Cape Verde's qualification for the World Cup was itself a landmark achievement — the island nation became only the second-smallest country in history to reach the tournament, after Caribbean island Curaçao. They sealed their place with a 3-0 home victory over Eswatini in October.

The Blue Sharks have been drawn in Group H, where they face a formidable challenge. Their campaign opens on 15 June against 2010 World Cup winners Spain, before taking on Uruguay on 21 June and Saudi Arabia six days after that.

The expanded 48-team tournament is hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the competition kicking off on 11 June.

Cape Verde's full squad

Goalkeepers: Vozinha (Chaves), Marcio Rosa (Montana), CJ dos Santos (San Diego).

Defenders: Stopira (Torreense), Roberto Lopes (Shamrock Rovers), Joao Paulo (FCSB), Diney (Al Bataeh), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica), Kelvin Pires (SJK).

Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), Telmo Arcanjo (Vitoria Guimaraes), Laros Duarte (Puskas Akademia), Yannick Semedo (Farense).

Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Igdir), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Willy Semedo (Omonia), Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora), Gilson Tavares (Akron Tolyatti), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Helio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Nuno da Costa (Istanbul Basaksehir).