Cape Verde Makes Historic World Cup Debut Exclusive Interview with Pico Lopes on African Nations Milestone

Pico Lopes is experiencing a pivotal moment in his football career as Cape Verde has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. This historic achievement marks a significant milestone, not just for Lopes but also for his nation.

Cape Verde’s Historic World Cup Qualification

The World Cup debut for Cape Verde represents a new chapter in the nation’s sporting journey. Lopes, who plays professionally for Shamrock Rovers, is set to captain the team. This year has already seen him win multiple titles with his club, including the League of Ireland and the FAI Cup.

Pico Lopes: A Unique Career Path

Lopes was born in Dublin to an Irish mother and a Cape Verdean father. Prior to joining Shamrock Rovers in 2017, he balanced football with a career as a mortgage advisor. His international journey began in 2019, when he made his debut for Cape Verde in a friendly against Togo.

• Date of Debut: October 2019
• Current Age: 33
• International Experience: 41 caps
• Notable Event: Played at two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments

The Impact of Language and Culture

Upon receiving the call from the Cape Verde national team, Lopes faced challenges, particularly regarding language. While Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole are the primary languages, the team worked together to ensure effective communication. He has expressed a desire to learn Creole to connect further with his heritage.

AFCON Success and Building a Competitive Team

The Cape Verde team, managed by Bubista since January 2020, reached the quarter-finals of AFCON 2023, demonstrating their growing strength. In their qualifying campaign, a significant 1-0 victory over Cameroon boosted their momentum and confidence.

• AFCON Quarter-Finals: 2023
• FIFA Rankings: Currently 70th

The Road Ahead: World Cup Aspirations

On December 5, Cape Verde will learn their opponents for the World Cup group stage. Lopes is excited and considers this moment a lifelong dream. He believes that this accomplishment will inspire more players with Cape Verdean heritage to join the national team.

“It’s the most prestigious tournament in our sport,” Lopes stated. “Representing my country in the World Cup is a dream come true.” This historic achievement not only elevates the visibility of Cape Verde in the global football arena but also signifies a bright future for the team and its players.