Ryan Mendes
Cabo VerdeForwardIgdir FKRyan Mendes goes into World Cup 2026 as a forward with tournament responsibility for Cabo Verde. He brings 95 caps and 22 goals into the tournament. Igdir FK provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is first touch near goal, separation in the box and work against centre-backs.
Group H
Jun 15, 2026vs Spain - 12:00 PM EDT
Quick Facts
Ryan Mendes and Cabo Verde World Cup 2026 Squad
Cabo Verde selected Ryan Mendes for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a forward, he can pull defenders away from the box, arrive for low crosses and keep pressure on clearances.
Mendes is part of a group of 8 forwards, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Ryan Mendes brings 95 caps and 22 goals into the tournament.
Mendes' senior international timeline dates back to 2010, which gives the record more weight than a simple squad listing.
International Record
- International record: Ryan Mendes enters the tournament with 95 caps and 22 goals for Cabo Verde.
- World Cup 2026 role: Cabo Verde list Ryan Mendes as a forward, with minutes linked to form, workload and game state.
- Group opponents: Cabo Verde face Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the group stage.
Playing Style and Strengths
Mendes' World Cup value starts with first touch near goal, separation in the box and work against centre-backs.
Mendes' touches around the area have to be clean because World Cup chances rarely stay open for long.
- Clinical finishing
- Penalty-area movement
- Near-post runs
- Pressing angles
- Center-back duels
- Rebound reactions
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Cabo Verde start against Spain on 15 June 2026 in Atlanta. For Mendes, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Uruguay follow on 21 June 2026 in Miami. For Mendes, the second fixture can quickly change the selection picture if the opener leaves Cabo Verde chasing points or protecting workload.
| Kickoff | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 15, 202612:00 PM EDT | Spain | Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta |
| Jun 21, 20266:00 PM EDT |  Uruguay | Miami Stadium, Miami |
| Jun 26, 20267:00 PM CDT |  Saudi Arabia | Houston Stadium, Houston |
Dates and kickoff times above are shown in the venue timezone.
Recent Form
Ryan Mendes played 29 1. Lig matches for Igdir FK in 2025/26, scoring 5 goals and providing 2 assists.
Mendes' latest checked appearance came on May 31, 2026, with 45 minutes in Cape Verde versus Serbia.
Career Stats
Ryan Mendes brings 95 caps and 22 goals into the tournament.
For Cabo Verde, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Mendes' form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Cabo Verde |
| Position | Forward |
| Club | Igdir FK |
| Caps | 95 |
| Goals | 22 |
| Born | 8 January 1990 |
World Cup 2026 Role
Ryan Mendes enters World Cup 2026 with Cabo Verde as a forward. The senior record stands at 95 caps and 22 goals. Match role, form and group-stage needs will shape his minutes.
Cabo Verde will judge him through training rhythm before the tournament. The useful signs are movement, finishing and pressing from the front.
Cabo Verde start against Spain on Jun 15, 2026 in Atlanta. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia come next in the group. The match order can affect workload and selection.
FAQ
Is Ryan Mendes in the Cabo Verde World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Ryan Mendes is in Cabo Verde's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Ryan Mendes play?
He is listed as a forward for Cabo Verde.
How many international caps and goals does Ryan Mendes have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 95 caps and 22 goals for Cabo Verde.
Who are Cabo Verde's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Cabo Verde face Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the group stage.
When is Ryan Mendes' first World Cup 2026 match?
Cabo Verde start against Spain on 15 June 2026 in Atlanta.
What is Ryan Mendes' latest club form?
He plays for Igdir FK in the checked player facts.
More Cabo Verde World Cup 2026 Player Profiles
Explore more Cabo Verde squad profiles, including teammates who can share minutes, supply service or affect the same match plan.
Group H Table
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 3 | 5 | 7 |
| 2 | Cabo Verde | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Uruguay | 3 | -1 | 2 |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia | 3 | -4 | 2 |