Cape Verde Coach Bubista Bids Proud Farewell After World Cup Classic

Cape Verde coach Bubista offered an emotional and dignified farewell to the 2026 World Cup after his side were eliminated by Argentina in extra time, telling reporters the feeling in the dressing room was one of sadness but also immense pride, according to Reuters.

Bubista, a former centre half who built the Cape Verde project from the ground up, said that staying in the contest for the full 120 minutes against the world champions was a source of huge pride. "They did it with dignity and courage," he told reporters, per Reuters. He also praised Argentina, saying only a team of their quality could have scored twice against his side.

The coach noted that the tears and embraces among his players after the match proved the team has a genuine soul, and that going toe to toe with one of the tournament favourites would help them grow as a football nation. Cape Verde, an archipelago of 600,000 people with most of their squad playing outside elite leagues, made the last 32 as the lowest-ranked nation ever to reach the knockout stage.