Shamrock Rovers' Pico Lopes on his way to the World Cup

One victory from their two remaining CAF in Group D qualifiers will secure Cape Verde's place at next summer’s tournament co-hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada.

REPRESENTING: Cameroon's defender Harold Moukoudi (R) fights for the ball with Cape Verde's defender Roberto Lopes. Pic: Kenzo Tribouillard, Getty Images

An Irish-born player will, it seems likely, participate in next year’s World Cup as Pico Lopes and Cape Verde are on the verge of qualification.

The Shamrock Rovers captain was born in Dublin and was part of Ireland youth squads but declared for the African country in 2019 level through his father, Carlos.