Bubista steps down as Cabo Verde coach

Bubista has left his role as Cabo Verde coach after leading the nation’s historic FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign.

He has joined Moroccan top-flight team RS Berkane, ending his six-year reign as Blue Sharks boss.

As well as masterminding Cabo Verde’s qualification for their first global finals, Bubista also guided them to the last eight of the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

The 56-year-old’s tenure, however, will be most fondly remembered for the nation’s remarkable performances at World Cup 2026.

Cabo Verde held Spain to a goalless draw in their opening match, with the magnitude of that achievement underlined when La Roja went on to win the title.

Subsequent draws with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia earned Bubista’s side a place in the Round of 32, where they gave Argentina an almighty scare. Cabo Verde pushed Lionel Messi and Co all the way in a breathless Miami clash, with the South Americans eventually prevailing 3-2 after extra time.

In an announcement confirming Bubista’s departure, the Cabo Verdean Football Association thanked the coach for his “dedication and professionalism” and wished him “great success in his next professional challenges”.