Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes accused of rape in New Zealand ahead of World Cup knockout match

The allegation

A Brazilian woman who worked as an interpreter and operational support for the Cape Verde national team has accused captain Ryan Mendes of rape. The alleged assault took place on 27 March 2026 in an Auckland hotel, after Cape Verde's 4-2 defeat to Chile in a friendly tournament. The woman told police she returned to her room after a meeting that did not require her translation services. She opened the door to a knock, believing it was a work matter, and Mendes forced his way in.

According to her statement, Mendes strangled, punched, and bit her as she resisted, then raped her. She photographed visible injuries immediately afterward: cuts to her mouth, and bruises on her neck, leg, and torso.

Medical evidence and police investigation

A medical report from a clinic specialising in sexual assault victims corroborates the account. It notes multiple ecchymoses on the breasts, neck, and lips, tenderness on the scalp and buttocks, and two circular, painful lesions at the base of the labia minora. New Zealand police have obtained hotel CCTV footage and are awaiting forensic test results, which could take up to six months before any charges are filed.

Reactions from football bodies

On 10 May, the woman and her husband sent extrajudicial notifications to FIFA and the Cape Verdean Football Federation, demanding Mendes be excluded from the World Cup. The federation privately dismissed the matter as a "personal problem" of the player, according to Brazilian media. FIFA issued a statement saying it takes "any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously" and has a clear reporting procedure, but added that its independent judicial bodies do not comment on investigations or potential complaints received.

The independent judicial bodies do not comment on allegations they may or may not have received, nor on whether there are ongoing investigations into alleged cases. Any information they wish to share will be communicated at their discretion. We cannot comment further at this time.

It is a personal problem of the player.

World Cup context

Cape Verde has been one of the surprise stories of the 2026 World Cup. The team drew 0-0 with Spain in its opening match and became the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stage. Mendes, who plays club football for Turkish side Igdir FK, featured in all three group-stage matches. Cape Verde faces Argentina in the round of 16 on Saturday, 4 July, and no suspension has been announced.