Key Highlights
- Cape Verde qualified for the World Cup, marking a historic achievement.
- Coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito observed training routines at Cruzeiro’s facilities in July 2025.
- Leonardo Jardim and Paulo Pelaipe accompanied the delegation during an institutional visit to Toca da Raposa II.
- Cruzeiro highlighted the initiative as a sign of their willingness to engage with international football.
Historic Qualification: Cape Verde’s Journey to the World Cup
The recent qualification of Cape Verde for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 has sparked significant interest, not just within Africa but also on a global scale. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it connects Cape Verde with Brazilian football through an unexpected partnership.
Observation at Cruzeiro’s Facilities
In July 2025, the journey to this historic moment began when coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito spent about ten days at Toca da Raposa II, the training center of Brazilian club Cruzeiro. During his visit, Bubista closely observed the daily routines and methodologies employed by the team led by Leonardo Jardim.
Technical Insights and Diplomatic Engagement
The Cape Verdean coach explained that he sought to understand the methodologies used in high-performance centers and expand references for application in his work with the national team. This visit was not just a technical exchange but also a diplomatic one, as Leonardo Jardim and football director Paulo Pelaipe accompanied José Pedro Chantre D’Oliveira, the Cape Verdean ambassador to Brazil, on an institutional visit during this period.
Reinforcing International Connections
“It was with great joy and satisfaction that we saw Cape Verde qualify for the World Cup,” Leonardo Jardim stated. “We were very happy. We hosted Pedro here with us for some time, created a certain relationship, and we know well, as Portuguese, that Cape Verde is a brother country.” This sentiment reflects Cruzeiro’s commitment to maintaining technical dialogue with international clubs and teams.
“Cruzeiro always opens the door to this type of initiative,” Jardim added. “We have now created a bond with Cape Verde. This is important for the international level of our club, not only within Brazil but also outside.” The move underscores Cruzeiro’s strategic approach in engaging with foreign professionals and teams.
Implications and Future Directions
The connection between Cape Verde and Brazilian football highlights the global nature of modern sports. As Cape Verde prepares for its first-ever World Cup appearance, this partnership could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to enhance their football programs through international collaboration.
“For us at Cruzeiro, it’s about fostering connections with different realities in the world of football,” Jardim concluded. “This visit by Bubista was just one step in that direction.” As the World Cup approaches, both Cape Verde and Cruzeiro can look forward to a new era of cooperation and mutual growth.
With this historical achievement, Cape Verde joins an elite group of nations competing on the global stage. The lessons learned from their journey may inspire other countries to pursue similar partnerships, potentially reshaping the landscape of international football in years to come.
