Cape Verde coach bows out of World Cup with head held high after Argentina loss

Published 4 July 2026 · sports

Cape Verde coach Bubista said his side had "shown the world our identity" after the island nation's historic FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a

Cape Verde coach Bubista said his side had "shown the world our identity" after the island nation's historic FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a spirited 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32 on July 3. Argentina vs Cabo Verde, FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights Playing in their first World Cup and ranked 67th in the world, Cape Verde emerged as one of the tournament's biggest success stories. They held former champions Spain and Uruguay in the group stage before taking Argentina the full 120 minutes in a contest few expected to be so closely fought. Read Full Story Despite the heartbreak of elimination, Bubista said pride outweighed disappointment. "The feeling in the dressing room is one of sadness," Bubista told reporters.

O treinador de Cabo Verde emocionado após o jogo histórico contra a Argentina pic.twitter.com/UX7UJpqjs9— FUTEMENTALES (@FUTEMENTALES) July 4, 2026 "We're sad, of course, because we're leaving the competition and because we got so close, so close. "Even though they are sad, the players were hugging each other, they were crying. This is part of growing. This helps us grow, and also shows that the team has a soul." The former defender said matching the reigning world champions for long periods was proof of his team's belief and character. "I feel pride in my players and what they did. They did it with dignity and courage," he said. "I think Argentina showed why they are world champions. I think I can say our team showed how willing they were to play this match.

"I don't think any other team could have scored two goals against Argentina and taken the match into extra time. I think that shows the character of our team and how skilled our team is. They did it with bravery and never did we lose our identity." For Bubista, the campaign was about more than results. It was a chance for Cape Verde, a nation of just over half a million people, to introduce itself to the football world. "More so than just playing, this was about showing the world our identity," he said. "Ours was a team that throughout the entire tournament, for as long as we were here, wanted to play and wanted to play against the best teams in the world.

"We played fairly and we stayed on a level playing field with our opponents. "I think everyone should thank the players for their tournament, because they showed what our small country is about." Cape Verde leave the tournament without a place in the quarter-finals but with a place in history. Their fearless performances, capped by an extraordinary display against Argentina, ensured the World Cup debutants earned respect far beyond the result. FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News Ends