Fixtures — the Blue Sharks' next battles
After their historic knockout-stage run at the 2026 World Cup, the Blue Sharks turn to their next goal: the Africa Cup of Nations 2027. Here's what's coming up.
Please note: Dates and venues are subject to change. Check the official CAF and Cape Verdean Football Federation announcements for the latest. We'll update this page with exact kick-off dates and times as fixtures are confirmed.
🏆Next up: AFCON 2027 qualifiers
The Africa Cup of Nations 2027 — nicknamed "Pamoja" (Swahili for "together") — will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. In the qualifying group-stage draw held in Cairo on 19 May 2026, Cabo Verde were drawn together with Mali, Rwanda and Liberia. The Blue Sharks will play six matches home and away; finishing near the top would send them to a fifth consecutive AFCON finals.
Mali
The biggest rival — also met in World Cup qualifying
Rwanda
A defensively solid dark horse
Liberia
An ambitious challenger with rising talent
📅Qualifying group stage windows
| Matchdays | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Matchdays 1–2 | 21 Sep – 6 Oct 2026 | Qualifiers kick off; exact fixtures will be added once confirmed |
| Matchdays 3–4 | Oct – 17 Nov 2026 | The home-and-away midpoint |
| Matchdays 5–6 | 22 – 30 Mar 2027 | The decisive final rounds |
Home matches are expected at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde in Praia.
🗓️Upcoming competitions
AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Sep 2026 – Mar 2027 · vs Mali, Rwanda and Liberia (6 matches, home & away)
AFCON 2027 Finals
Co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania ("Pamoja") · qualification would mean a fifth straight appearance
FIFA World Cup 2030 Qualifiers
Toward the Spain–Portugal–Morocco World Cup · African qualifying schedule to be announced
International friendlies
During FIFA windows (Mar, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov) · added here as announced
⚽ Relive World Cup 2026: The full results of the historic run — holding Spain, pushing Argentina to extra time — plus the complete 26-man squad are on the Football page.