Cabo Verde will be at the center of African football attention when the senior women's national team competes in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026.

For the first time in its existence, the Cape Verdean women's team has advanced to the final stage of this continental championship, signifying a significant achievement for national sports.
Qualification was attained in October 2025, subsequent to a 4–2 triumph against Mali in the second leg of the critical playoff, held in Bamako. This outcome allowed the squad to reverse the first-leg deficit and secure a 4–3 aggregate score, thereby guaranteeing its historic entry into the competition.
In the preceding qualifying round, Cabo Verde ousted Guinea-Conakry, achieving a decisive 4–1 home triumph and securing a draw in the road match. This performance enabled the squad to advance to the final qualification level.
In the concluding tournament draw, Cabo Verde was assigned to Group D, where it will compete against the national sides of Ghana, Cameroon, and Mali, all of whom have superior tradition and expertise in African women's football.

The Squad:

Forwards and Offensive Unit
Ivânia Moreira distinguished herself by scoring in the 4–1 triumph over Guinea-Conakry, affirming her role as a pivotal offensive force inside the team.
Evy Pereira scored two goals in a single match and was a key contributor to the victory and the team's attacking performance.
Varsénia scored one goal in that match and assumes a leadership position as the team's captain.
Irlanda Lopes — a forward in Portuguese football, frequently selected for national team convocations and considered one of the squad's primary offensive assets.

Midfield and game orchestration

Jolina Amani, an athlete born in the Netherlands, represents Cape Verde and functions as an attacking midfielder, contributing international experience to the team's midfield.
Marie Camara scored a pivotal goal against Guinea-Conakry and has continually enhanced the equilibrium and dynamism of the midfield.

Defensive players and goalkeepers

Jacinta Rodrigues — primary goalkeeper in multiple matches throughout the qualification round.
Kátia Duarte is frequently summoned as a goalkeeper, bolstering the defensive unit.
Varsénia da Luz, in addition to her offensive talents, plays in the defensive line and has captained several matches.
Romina do Rosário, Leidina Semedo, and Leonilde Rodrigues are defenders with consistent selections and experience acquired in clubs beyond Cabo Verde.