2026 World Cup: Flavours of Cabo Verde on the Tubarões Azuis menu in the US, courtesy of chef Lamine Medina

Mindelo, 21 May (Inforpress) – Chef Lamine Medina promises to nourish the body, soul and heart of the Tubarões Azuis with traditional Cape Verdean flavours, including cachupa, throughout the World Cup, and thus “take on the giants” of the football world.

In an interview with Inforpress, Medina, on the eve of fulfilling his dream of cooking for the national team at the World Cup, recalled that as a child he wanted to be a goalkeeper and make it into the national team, but that fate had assigned him the “equally important” task of preparing meals for the  Tubarões Azuis, as the national team is known.

Having overseen Cabo Verde’s catering at the African Nations Cup (CAN) in Ivory Coast in 2024, Lamine Medina promises a menu for the 2026 World Cup based on fresh produce, lean protein, fruit and vegetables, but always “seasoned with Creole identity and fond memories” 

“We’re going to focus on what we’ve always done. Top-quality produce, plenty of chicken, fresh fish, vegetables, rice, pasta, wholesome carbohydrates and lots of fresh fruit,” he explained, revealing that all the food preparation has been “carefully planned” for some time now, in accordance with strict nutritional guidelines.

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