LinkedIn Message Nearly Cost Roberto Lopes 2026 World Cup Spot with Cape Verde
Published June 13, 2026
Irish-born defender Roberto Lopes almost missed his chance to represent Cape Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after initially dismissing an official approach via LinkedIn as spam.
Published — local time around the world
The path to international football for many players often involves scouts, club contacts, or national team coaches. However, for Roberto Lopes, the journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Cape Verde took a distinctly modern and almost missed turn: a direct message on LinkedIn. The Irish-born central defender, known for his robust play, initially overlooked the unusual contact, nearly costing him a place on the global stage.
Lopes, like many professionals, initially dismissed the unsolicited message from the Cape Verdean football association, which was written in Portuguese, assuming it was spam. It wasn't until a subsequent message arrived, this time in English, that the true nature of the outreach became clear. This follow-up prompted him to translate the original communication, revealing an offer to declare for the African nation and potentially compete in the expanded 2026 World Cup, hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The unconventional recruitment method was reportedly due to difficulties the association faced in contacting Lopes through his club. Despite the initial hesitation, once the opportunity was fully understood, Lopes embraced it wholeheartedly. His commitment means he will now be part of Cape Verde's squad competing in the prestigious tournament, which will feature 48 teams vying for glory in 2026.