Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde

The Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde sits in the Plateau district of Praia. What distinguishes it from the older Estádio da Várzea, also in the city, is the scale of its surroundings and the quality of its playing surface. The pitch itself is artificial turf. Built with support from the Chinese government, the venue replaced the smaller previous national stadium and became the central point for the Cape Verde national football team. The opening ceremony occurred in August 2014, though the exact date remains a matter of record. Since then, it has hosted the team through various campaigns, including the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zambia, which they won 2–1. On October 13, 2025, the stadium reached full capacity for a World Cup qualifier against Eswatini, a match the team won 3–0. That attendance figure stands as the record for the ground. The structure itself is defined by its floodlights and the way the stands curve around the field. In 2023, officials proposed renaming it Estádio Pelé to honour the Brazilian legend, but the plan was abandoned following public objection. A later resolution in March 2026 renamed it Estádio Nacional Tubarões Azuis, or the National Stadium Blue Sharks, aligning the name with the national team’s nickname.

The Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde is the primary home for the national side, situated near the Presidential Palace. The artificial surface distinguishes it from the older Estádio da Várzea, which serves local clubs. The venue has a capacity of 15,000 and opened in August 2014.