World Cup 2026: INCT Football Coordinator Considers Cabo Verde a ‘Surprise and New Protagonist’ at the FIFA World Cup

Praia, Jun 02 (Inforpress) – INCT Football Coordinator Carmen Rial today highlighted the growth of Cape Verdean football and the country’s participation in the FIFA World Cup as a “surprise and new protagonist” in world football and “a historic milestone” for the country.

On the sidelines of the 5th International INCT Football Colloquium, taking place in Praia, the researcher emphasized that the current moment represents an opportunity to strengthen academic and sporting dialogue between Cabo Verde and Brazil.

“Football is a global phenomenon and Africa has increasingly established itself as a leading force. Cabo Verde is a surprise, and we are eager to see how its national team will perform at the FIFA World Cup,” she said.

Carmen Rial argued that Cabo Verde’s presence in the global competition increases scientific interest in the country, considering that the ongoing event provides an opportunity to deepen knowledge about the development of national football and its institutional structures.

CG/SR/AA

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