By ASVG Media
Cape Verde have promoted Humberto Bettencourt to head coach of the Blue Sharks following the departure of Bubista, maintaining continuity after the island nation’s remarkable run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 51-year-old Bettencourt served as Bubista’s assistant as Cape Verde transformed its first World Cup appearance into one of the tournament’s biggest stories, advancing to the knockout rounds before falling 3–2 after extra time to eventual finalists Argentina. Their historic campaign included a goalless draw against eventual champions Spain—the only match Spain failed to win—along with draws against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia that secured second place in the group. Sidny Lopes Cabral’s spectacular second equalizer against Argentina was subsequently voted the tournament’s best goal, while veteran goalkeeper Vozinha emerged as one of the defining figures of Cape Verde’s breakthrough campaign.
Bettencourt now inherits a national team whose expectations have changed dramatically after its World Cup success. Having worked alongside Bubista since 2020, he offers tactical and cultural continuity as Cape Verde attempts to turn its global breakthrough into sustained African success. Bubista has since moved to Moroccan club RS Berkane, leaving Bettencourt with the immediate responsibility of preparing the Blue Sharks for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September and October and demonstrating that Cape Verde’s extraordinary World Cup run can become the foundation of a lasting new era.
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