News, goals, and analysis – only on the official A BOLA app. World Cup Cabo Verde is making headlines as one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 World Cup, but on the eve of their historic clash with Argentina in the Round of 16, the focus shifted from the pitch to an off-field issue. The press conference previewing the match was marked by several tense moments, after officials from the Cape Verdean national team and FIFA interrupted questions related to Ryan Mendes, the team captain, who is facing a rape allegation made by an interpreter during a tour in Oceania in March of this year. Right at the beginning of the session, the press officer for Cabo Verde made a clear warning to journalists, asking that questions be directed ‘only about the game.’ Nevertheless, whenever Ryan Mendes’ name was mentioned, both members of the national team’s staff and FIFA representatives interrupted the discussions and refused to comment on the matter. Despite the tense atmosphere in the press room, coach Bubista and defender Ianique Stopira sought to keep all attention on the match against the world champions, emphasizing the team’s confidence in advancing to the Round of 16.
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