San Diego FC goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos has been selected for Cape Verde's 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1, 2].

This selection marks a historic milestone for the island nation as it makes its first appearance at a FIFA World Cup [3]. For Dos Santos, the call-up represents the culmination of a lifelong ambition to compete on the world's biggest sporting stage.

Dos Santos enters the tournament following a strong inaugural season with San Diego FC. He recorded 10 clean sheets in 30 regular-season starts [4]. His performance in the U.S. league has positioned him as a key asset for a national team seeking to establish itself in the global tournament.

"This is something that I have wanted ever since I was two or three years old," Dos Santos said [5].

The goalkeeper's inclusion in the squad comes as Cape Verde prepares for the tournament hosted in North America. The team's roster is limited to 26 players [1], and the selection of a reliable goalkeeper was a priority for the coaching staff as the nation navigated its successful qualification process [3].

Dos Santos joins a group of players aiming for what some have described as a "cinderella run" during the tournament [5]. By bringing in professional experience from the American league, Cape Verde hopes to maintain defensive stability against high-ranking opponents.

“"This is something that I have wanted ever since I was two or three years old."”

The inclusion of a Major League Soccer-based goalkeeper provides Cape Verde with a level of professional consistency and high-pressure experience essential for a debutant nation. As the 2026 tournament is hosted in North America, Dos Santos' familiarity with the region and league may offer a marginal logistical and psychological advantage for the squad.