A Cape Verde international footballer is being investigated in New Zealand following allegations of sexual assault that occurred during the national team’s participation in the FIFA Series in March.
According to a report published on Sunday, a player from the Cape Verde national team, whose identity has been withheld, allegedly raped an individual after the FIFA Series match against Chile on March 27 in Auckland. The incident is said to have taken place at the team hotel just hours after Cape Verde’s 4-2 defeat.
New Zealand police have confirmed that a complaint is under investigation, registered on April 10, 2026, at the Auckland City Police Centre. Authorities declined to provide further details at this stage.
The New Zealand Herald reported that the player involved is expected to be called up for Cape Verde’s first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance next month. According to a source close to the victim, she has struggled to cope with the incident.
When contacted by the New Zealand newspaper, FIFA stated it was not previously aware of the case and declined to comment, adding that it was “too early” to determine whether the organization would launch its own investigation. FIFA noted that it had already reached out to New Zealand Football, the host association of the FIFA Series. Neither New Zealand Football nor the Cape Verdean Football Federation have issued statements.
Cape Verde secured their place in the 2026 World Cup—hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States—by topping their qualifying group alongside Cameroon, Libya, Angola, Mauritius, and Eswatini. They have been drawn into Group F alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
