Cape Verde Appoint Humberto Bettencourt as New Head Coach After World Cup Run

Posted : 20 August 2026

Cape Verde have appointed Humberto Bettencourt as the new head coach of the national team following the departure of Bubista. The former assistant coach takes charge after helping the Blue Sharks reach the knockout stage of their first FIFA World Cup appearance.

Bettencourt worked closely with Bubista during Cape Verde's historic rise. He was part of the coaching staff that guided the team through the 2026 World Cup, where the island nation advanced from the group stage before losing 3-2 to Argentina after extra time.

The new appointment comes after Bubista ended his six-year spell with the national team. The 56-year-old coach left after leading Cape Verde to their first-ever World Cup qualification and was subsequently appointed head coach of Moroccan club RS Berkane on a two-year contract.

Bubista's departure closes one of the most successful periods in Cape Verdean football. Since taking charge in 2020, he guided the Blue Sharks to two Africa Cup of Nations appearances and then delivered the country's historic World Cup qualification.

Cape Verde also impressed at the World Cup itself. They held Spain and Uruguay to draws before progressing from the group, then pushed Argentina in the last-32 round before suffering elimination in extra time.

Bettencourt is not new to the national team setup. He served as Bubista's assistant and was involved in tactical preparations during the World Cup, including the team's approach to the Argentina match. He previously stressed that Cape Verde would maintain its identity while making tactical adjustments for different opponents.

The appointment therefore offers continuity for the Blue Sharks. Bettencourt already understands the squad, coaching methods and competitive standards that helped Cape Verde achieve their strongest international results.

His immediate task will be to maintain that momentum while preparing the team for its next international assignments. The new coach will also face the challenge of building on the confidence generated by the World Cup breakthrough.

Cape Verde's success has raised expectations around the national team. Bettencourt now inherits a squad that has demonstrated it can compete against stronger nations and will be expected to keep the Blue Sharks progressing on the continental and international stage.

The transition also creates an opportunity for Bettencourt to establish his own identity. Having worked under Bubista during the country's most successful period, he will now have the responsibility of turning that foundation into a new chapter for Cape Verde.

Cape Verde Appoint Humberto Bettencourt as New Head Coach After World Cup Run

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