Cape Verde's Vozinha Named in FIFA World Cup Dream XI, Africa's Lone Representative
Vozinha's World Cup debut ended with him standing alongside Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Rodri and Jude Bellingham. The Cape Verde goalkeeper was named the sole African player in the fan-voted 2026 FIFA World Cup Dream XI, the only inclusion from outside Europe and South America in a team built mostly of players from Spain and France.
Cape Verde reached the Round of 32 before losing to eventual finalists Argentina. Vozinha made seven saves in the Blue Sharks' goalless draw against Spain, one of the tournament's standout results, and finished the campaign with two clean sheets from five matches faced.
His performances have drawn interest from clubs in South America, and Vozinha is reportedly hoping to make his Major League Soccer debut with Inter Miami. He has represented Cape Verde since 2012 and featured at four previous Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, in 2013, 2015, 2021 and 2023.
