World Cup 2026: Rape allegation rocks Cape Verde camp as Police probe Mendes

Cape Verde national team captain, Ryan Mendes, is being investigated by New Zealand police over an alleged rape case involving a team translator.

According to reports, the alleged incident happened in March 2026 during Cape Verde’s trip to New Zealand for international matches.

The translator, a Brazilian woman whose identity has not been revealed, claimed that she was hired to work with the Cape Verde team. After one of the matches, she attended what she believed was a work-related meeting in a hotel room.

She said that when she realized her translation services were not needed, she returned to her own room. Shortly afterward, someone knocked on her door.

The woman alleged that Mendes forced his way into her room, assaulted her, and raped her. She also claimed that he choked, punched, and bit her during the incident.

She reportedly provided New Zealand police with photographs showing injuries to her mouth, neck, leg, and side.

According to Brazilian media, the woman said she had informed at least three officials of the Cape Verde football authorities about the incident, but received no response.

New Zealand police have launched an investigation and have reportedly collected security camera footage from the hotel in Auckland. Authorities are also awaiting forensic test results before deciding whether charges will be filed.

The alleged assault was first reported by New Zealand media last month, although the player’s identity was not disclosed at the time. It was only stated that the player was a member of the Cape Verde national team.

Mendes, 36, has played in all three of Cape Verde’s matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has not publicly responded to the allegations.

FIFA has said it is in contact with New Zealand authorities and takes allegations of misconduct very seriously. However, the world football governing body declined to comment further on the ongoing investigation.

It is important to note that the allegations are currently under investigation, and no criminal charges have been announced against Mendes at this time.