Columbus Crew defender Steven Moreira has been named to Cape Verde’s roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Cape Verde announced its final squad this week. Moreira played a key role in helping the Blue Sharks qualify for their first World Cup with a 3-0 win over Eswatini in October.
Cape Verde, which has a population of just under 600,000, finished ahead of Cameroon, Libya and Angola to secure its spot in the tournament.
Moreira was born in France but has represented Cape Verde—his parents’ homeland—since 2023. He has made 17 appearances for the national team and helped Cape Verde reach the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024.
The expanded 48-team World Cup begins June 11 in Mexico City. The final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Columbus’ Lower.com Field is not a host venue for the 2026 World Cup, but it will hold watch parties during the tournament and host nine men’s and women’s games for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic soccer tournaments.