Cape Verde, the surprise of the World Cup, and the signing of Jovane Cabral

The African team drew with Spain and Uruguay, and now their star signs for Gremio.

Cape Verde, the World Cup revelation

One of the big surprises of the World Cup was the Cape Verde team. They managed to draw with Spain and Uruguay in the group stage, qualified second in their group and took Argentina to the limit in the round of 32.

Three names remain in memory: Vozinha, the goalkeeper who went viral on social networks; Sidney Lopes Cabral, author of a memorable goal; and Jovane Cabral, a 28-year-old winger whose talent led him to sign for a Brazilian giant.

RelatedCape Verde empathizes and dreams; Uruguay suffers from the World Cup surprise

Jovane Cabral lands in Gremio

Cabral arrived at the World Cup as a free agent after leaving Estrela Amadora in Portugal. He started against Spain and Argentina, the two most demanding matches of the tournament.

Now he leaves Europe – where he played for Sporting Lisbon, Olympiakos, Salernitana and Lazio – to join Gremio ahead of the Brasileirao and the Copa Sudamericana.

Coach Luis Castro explained the incorporation:

“He is a player who was in the World Cup, who plays both on the left and in the center and who joins a group deeply committed to the work and its objective for the season. I think he has the ability to fit into our squad.”

Keylor Navas does not give a favorite in the final between Argentina and Spain

The former Costa Rican goalkeeper analyzed the duel for the world title.

Keylor Navas, former Costa Rican goalkeeper and World Cup figure, shared his vision of the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The three-time World Cup winner with Costa Rica believes it will be a “very beautiful” duel between two high-level teams.

No clear favorite

“For those of us who like soccer, it is an incredible final. I cannot give anyone as a favorite; a final is a final and it is very difficult to decide,” Navas said. The former Real Madrid goalkeeper highlighted that Spain improved after an irregular start, while Argentina showed character with comebacks.

“Argentina had games in overtime and comebacks. That speaks of character, unity and the desire to win,” he added.

The Messi factor

Although the balance does not tip, Navas pointed out a plus for Argentina: Lionel Messi. “If I had to say a favorite… Argentina has Messi, that can make the difference. But you never know, the games have to be played and I hope the best wins,” he said.

Regarding Messi at 39 years old, Navas said that he is not surprised: “I had the privilege of being with him at PSG. He is an example to follow: talent, character, discipline. Age is just a number. He can reach 40 or 41 playing like this.”

Navas regretted that it is Messi’s last World Cup. “Let’s be grateful to see a monster play. He’s from another level, one of those who rarely come out,” he concluded.

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Checo Pérez cannot choose between Spain and Argentina in the Final

The Mexican driver confesses his dilemma before the 2026 World Cup Final.

Sergio “Checo” Pérez will not be able to be in the stadium, but his mind is already set on the decisive match of the 2026 World Cup. The Mexican Formula 1 driver shared his opinion about the Final between Spain and Argentina on July 19 in New York.

The dilemma of the Mexican pilot

“Difficult. The truth is that I have a very great connection with Spain. I spend a good time there, with my family every year. I have a lot of affection for Spain,” declared the Jalisco native from the Belgian Grand Prix.

His link with Argentina also weighs. “For Argentina too, for (Lionel) Messi, the best player in history. I would love to see him win… the truth is that it is difficult to choose one. I think whoever it is will be a very good winner,” he added about the soccer star.

The Cadillac steering wheel considers that both finalists deserve to be there. “They both deserve to be in the Final, I think we are going to see the best game of the World Cup and I think it is the most interesting thing of the weekend,” he concluded with a laugh.

Checo, who has spent long periods in Spain due to his family and professional commitments, recognizes that the Final will be the most attractive sporting event of the weekend. His statement reflects the affection he feels for both teams, although his heart seems to lean towards Lionel Messi, whom he described as the best footballer in history.

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Apertura 2026 starts with victories for Necaxa and Tijuana

Necaxa and Tijuana opened the tournament with victories; This Friday six teams join.

Two victories mark the beginning of Apertura 2026

Almost two months after the Clausura 2026 final between Pumas and Cruz Azul, Mexican soccer resumed activity. This Thursday, July 16, the Apertura 2026 started with two matches full of goals.

In the opening game, Necaxa beat Atlante 2-1, a team that returned to the First Division. The Rays added their first three points and left the return of the Iron Colts without joy.

In the second match, Tijuana beat Tigres 3-1 at the Caliente Stadium. Mourad El Ghezouan led the offensive to give the hosts their first win of the semester.

Six teams debut this Friday

The opening day continues today with three games. León receives Atlas at 7:00 p.m. at the León Stadium, broadcast on FOX/FOX One.

Atlético San Luis faces Cruz Azul at the Libertad Financiera Stadium at 7:00 p.m., with an ESPN/Disney+ Premium/ViX Premium signal.

Finally, FC Juárez receives Puebla at 9:00 p.m. at the Olympic Benito Juárez, broadcast by Azteca 7 and FOX/FOX One.

With these results, the new Liga MX season promises intense competition from the start. All teams are looking to position themselves early in the table.

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