For football supporters in Cape Verde, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a landmark and deeply emotional event in the nation’s sporting history. With the tournament expanding to a record 48 teams, Cape Verde will be among the participating nations, and local football fans will undoubtedly want to follow the competition closely from start to finish.
As the matches are being staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the kick-off times are generally well-suited for viewers following along from Cape Verde Time (CVT). While there will be some late-night fixtures, many matches—especially the headline encounters—can be watched without early-morning inconvenience.
The purpose of this page is to present the full 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule in Cape Verde Time (CVT), covering all 104 matches from the opening game on 11 June 2026 to the final on 19 July 2026. Whether you are watching at home, with friends, or at local fan gatherings, this schedule helps you stay perfectly aligned with the tournament.
Cape Verde Time (CVT) operates at UTC−1 throughout the year. As daylight saving time is not observed in Cape Verde, all kick-off times shown on this page remain consistent for the duration of the World Cup.
🌍 FIFA World Cup History at a Glance
First played in Uruguay in 1930, the FIFA World Cup has grown into the largest sporting event in the world in terms of global audience. What began as a competition with just 13 participating teams has evolved into a truly global tournament, expanding to 48 nations from the 2026 edition—a clear sign of football’s growing reach, strength, and popularity.
African football has increasingly become a vital part of the World Cup story. From Cameroon’s historic run to the quarter-finals in 1990, to Senegal’s breakthrough performance in 2002, and Morocco’s remarkable semi-final finish in 2022, African teams have repeatedly challenged and defeated traditional football powers, reshaping their global reputation.
The expanded 48-team format opens up new opportunities for nations such as Cape Verde, allowing emerging football countries to gain exposure at the highest level of the game and potentially leave a lasting mark on World Cup history.
Below is a look at the most recent FIFA World Cup winners:
| Year | Host Nation | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Qatar | Argentina |
| 2018 | Russia | France |
| 2014 | Brazil | Germany |
| 2010 | South Africa | Spain |
| 2006 | Germany | Italy |
⚽ Quick Facts – 2026 FIFA World Cup
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Nations | United States, Canada, Mexico |
| Tournament Dates | 11 June – 19 July 2026 |
| Total Teams | 48 |
| Total Matches | 104 |
| Time Zone Used on This Page | Cape Verde Time (CVT, UTC−1) |
| Final Venue | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA |
Cape Verde at the FIFA World Cup
Cape Verde at the FIFA World CupCape Verde is set to be one of the most exciting stories of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their qualification represents a major milestone for the island nation and reflects years of steady progress in both African and global football.
With technical quality, tactical discipline, and a strong core of Europe-based players, Cape Verde have steadily raised their competitive level and have shown the ability to challenge stronger opponents. Their qualification is further proof that African football is growing in depth and competitiveness.
For Cape Verdean fans, the World Cup means far more than just the matches—it is a symbol of national pride, unity, and international recognition. Each appearance on football’s biggest stage adds to the sporting identity and heritage of the nation.
Cape Verde’s Matches in Cape Verde Time (CVT)
| Date | Time | Team 1 Score Team 2 |
|---|---|---|
|
15 June, 2026
Monday
|
 Spain
0 - 0
Cape Verde
 |
|
|
21 June, 2026
Sunday
|
 Uruguay
2 - 2
Cape Verde
|
|
|
26 June, 2026
Friday
|
Cape Verde
0 - 0
Saudi Arabia
 |
|
|
3 July, 2026
Friday
|
 Argentina
3 - 2
(AET)
Cape Verde
|
It is quite a challenge for Cape Verde to progress from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having been drawn into a strong and competitive group.
The squad will begin their campaign by facing Spain on 15 June, followed by a match against Uruguay on 21 June, before wrapping up the group stage with a fixture against Saudi Arabia on 26 June.
With Spain and Uruguay being two of the great football nations, Cape Verde’s qualification chances appear slim on paper. However, the final group match against Saudi Arabia could be the fixture where Cape Verde might realistically pick up points and leave a positive impression on the tournament.
No matter the outcome, Cape Verde will take to the pitch with immense pride and determination. Each group-stage match is not only a matter of honour and making their fans proud, but also an opportunity to gain valuable experience and continue their journey on football’s biggest stage.
🕓 2026 FIFA World Cup Match Schedule (Cape Verde Time)
For viewers following Cape Verde Time (CVT), most matches will kick off during the late evening and night hours, with some high-profile fixtures extending into the early morning.
The opening match of the tournament will kick off on 11 June 2026 at 6:00 PM (CVT), while the final will be played on 19 July 2026 at 6:00 PM (CVT).
Below is the full list of all 104 matches, shown in Cape Verde Time. Use the filters to find fixtures by team, venue, or stage.
🌍 Host Nations & Match Venues
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across three North American nations and 16 cities, making it the most geographically expansive World Cup in history.
The United States will host the majority of matches, while Canada and Mexico contribute historic venues and passionate football cultures.
United States
Canada
Mexico📺 How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Cape Verde
- New World TV
- FIFA+ – Highlights, replays, and official content
You can also explore our global FIFA World Cup 2026 Watch Guide for broadcasters, TV channels, and live streaming platforms across different countries.
🌐 View Schedules in Other Time Zones
❓ Cape Verde Time (CVT) & 2026 World Cup – FAQs
Q1. Are all kick-off times shown in Cape Verde Time?
Yes. All match times on this page are displayed in Cape Verde Time (CVT).
Q2. Does Cape Verde observe daylight saving time?
No. Cape Verde uses the same time zone year-round.
Q3. Is Cape Verde qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Yes. Cape Verde are one of the 48 qualified teams for the 2026 tournament.
Q4. What time will most matches kick off in CVT?
Most matches will be played in the evening and late-night hours, with some early-morning fixtures.
With a historic qualification, passionate supporters, and a clear schedule in Cape Verde Time, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises unforgettable moments for fans across Cape Verde. Bookmark this page and follow every step of your nation’s World Cup journey.
