Shamrock's Lopes makes Cape Verde's World Cup squad

Shamrock Rovers centre-back Roberto Lopes has been named in Cape Verde's 26-man squad for the World Cup.

Lopes, who was born in Dublin to a Cape Verdean father and Irish mother, made his debut for the country in 2019, having previously made one appearance for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s in 2011.

The 33-year-old joined Shamrock Rovers - who have won the League of Ireland Premier Division a record 22 times - in 2017 and has made 269 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals.

He also captained Rovers to their first domestic double since 1987 last year.

Cape Verde is the second-smallest nation by land area and third-smallest nation by population to ever reach the World Cup.

They start their campaign in Group H against 2010 winners Spain on 15 June, followed by Uruguay on 21 June and Saudi Arabia six days later.

The expanded 48-team World Cup takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico and begins on 11 June.

Goalkeepers: Vozinha (Chaves), Marcio Rosa (Montana), CJ dos Santos (San Diego).

Defenders: Stopira (Torreense), Roberto Lopes (Shamrock Rovers), Joao Paulo (FCSB), Diney (Al Bataeh), Logan Costa (Villarreal), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica), Kelvin Pires (SJK).

Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro (PEC Zwolle), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), Telmo Arcanjo (Vitoria Guimaraes), Laros Duarte (Puskas Akademia), Yannick Semedo (Farense).

Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Igdir), Garry Rodrigues (Apollon Limassol), Willy Semedo (Omonia), Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora), Gilson Tavares (Akron Tolyatti), Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia), Helio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Nuno da Costa (Istanbul Basaksehir).