PRAIA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Cape Verde head coach Pedro Brito, known as Bubista, on Monday named a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the island nation prepares for its first appearance at football's biggest tournament.

"Today is a historic day for Cape Verdean football," Bubista said during the squad announcement ceremony. "It was a dream for all Cape Verdeans and we always believed it was possible."

The squad features experienced players including Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, Jamiro Monteiro and Logan Costa.

The Blue Sharks will hold a training camp across several Cape Verde islands from May 20 to 24 before traveling to Portugal for a friendly against Serbia on May 31, and face Bermuda in the United States in their final warmup match ahead of the World Cup.

Cape Verde will open its campaign against Spain in Atlanta on June 15 before taking on Uruguay in Miami and Saudi Arabia in Houston in Group H. ■