Cape Verde captain under investigation over alleged rape ahead of Argentina clash
Cape Verde's historic FIFA World Cup run has been overshadowed by serious allegations. Brazilian publication Globo is reporting that the team's captain, Ryan Mendes, is under investigation in New Zealand over an alleged sexual assault during the FIFA Series in March.
Cape Verde’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by serious allegations against captain Ryan Mendes, with reports from Brazil claiming the forward is under investigation for rape in New Zealand just days before the team’s Round of 32 clash against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
According to Brazilian publication Globo, Mendes - who has featured in all three of Cape Verde’s group-stage matches - is accused of sexually assaulting a woman who worked with the team as a translator during the FIFA Series held in New Zealand in March 2026.
The report added that no decision has yet been taken on whether criminal charges will be filed, with investigations still ongoing, including forensic analysis.
In a statement carried by USA TODAY, FIFA said it takes “any allegation of misconduct” seriously and confirmed it was in contact with authorities in New Zealand, but declined further comment.
WHAT ARE THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST CAPE VERDE CAPTAIN?
According to Globo, the complainant is a Brazilian woman who was working with the Cape Verde national team as a translator during the tournament in New Zealand. She alleged that Mendes entered her hotel room in Auckland and physically and sexually assaulted her.
The woman reportedly informed local authorities and subsequently underwent a sexual assault examination.
Globo reported that the examination found injuries including vaginal lesions and multiple bruises on her breasts, neck and lips. The publication also reported that the woman shared photographs of her injuries with both police and later with Globo.
The report further claimed that the woman informed three officials linked to the Cape Verde football setup about the alleged assault but did not receive any response.
Cape Verde’s football authorities have not publicly commented on the allegations. According to USA TODAY, the national team did not respond to requests for comment.
CAPE VERDE'S STORY SO FAR
Cape Verde have emerged as one of the biggest feel-good stories of the FIFA World Cup so far. Drawn in a group alongside former world champions Spain and Uruguay, the small island nation managed to qualify for the knockout stage. Cape Verde went unbeaten in the group stage and punched well above their weight, led by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.
Cape Verde’s Round of 32 clash against Argentina is scheduled to be played on July 4 at 3:30 am IST.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
Cape Verde’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by serious allegations against captain Ryan Mendes, with reports from Brazil claiming the forward is under investigation for rape in New Zealand just days before the team’s Round of 32 clash against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
According to Brazilian publication Globo, Mendes - who has featured in all three of Cape Verde’s group-stage matches - is accused of sexually assaulting a woman who worked with the team as a translator during the FIFA Series held in New Zealand in March 2026.
The report added that no decision has yet been taken on whether criminal charges will be filed, with investigations still ongoing, including forensic analysis.
In a statement carried by USA TODAY, FIFA said it takes “any allegation of misconduct” seriously and confirmed it was in contact with authorities in New Zealand, but declined further comment.
WHAT ARE THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST CAPE VERDE CAPTAIN?
According to Globo, the complainant is a Brazilian woman who was working with the Cape Verde national team as a translator during the tournament in New Zealand. She alleged that Mendes entered her hotel room in Auckland and physically and sexually assaulted her.
The woman reportedly informed local authorities and subsequently underwent a sexual assault examination.
Globo reported that the examination found injuries including vaginal lesions and multiple bruises on her breasts, neck and lips. The publication also reported that the woman shared photographs of her injuries with both police and later with Globo.
The report further claimed that the woman informed three officials linked to the Cape Verde football setup about the alleged assault but did not receive any response.
Cape Verde’s football authorities have not publicly commented on the allegations. According to USA TODAY, the national team did not respond to requests for comment.
CAPE VERDE'S STORY SO FAR
Cape Verde have emerged as one of the biggest feel-good stories of the FIFA World Cup so far. Drawn in a group alongside former world champions Spain and Uruguay, the small island nation managed to qualify for the knockout stage. Cape Verde went unbeaten in the group stage and punched well above their weight, led by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.
Cape Verde’s Round of 32 clash against Argentina is scheduled to be played on July 4 at 3:30 am IST.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
