Steven Moreira
COL
CB (RB)
Possession Builder
Aug 13, 1994 (32)
Right
5'10"
159 lb
Columbus CrewFully active during knockout game
Moreira logged one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and one chance created during Cape Verde's 3-2 loss Friday to Argentina.
Analysis: In terms of Cape Verde's group-stage finale, Moreira barely played, logging only one minute June 27 against Saudi Arabia. Despite no wins, his country advanced to the World Cup's knockout stage, during which Cabo Verde and reigning champion Argentina would compete. Moreira was added to the Cape Verdeans' starting XI, and his biggest impact would be on their first goal via a pass to Ryan Mendes. Even though Moreira did not record an assist, Mendes subsequently did, as his received pass is how he directly contributed to Deroy Duarte's game-equalizing goal. Because of it, the matchup required extra time, for which Moreira not only played every minute but also updated his tournament's minute-high to 120. During the World Cup, he logged seven clearances, three tackles won, two interceptions and a chance created.
Three tackles in draw
Moreira had three tackles (three won), two clearances and one interception in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Uruguay.
Analysis: Moreira got the start at right-back in Sunday's 2-2 World Cup draw against Uruguay and helped Cape Verde weather heavy pressure from a Uruguay side that finished with 17 shot attempts to Cape Verde's 15. He put in a full defensive shift as part of a back line that was breached twice before halftime but regrouped after the break to help salvage a crucial point, finishing with three tackles (three won), one interception, two blocks and two clearances. The dramatic comeback draw leaves Cape Verde needing a positive result against Saudi Arabia to punch their ticket out of Group H.
Plays full game
Moreira registered one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Monday's 0-0 draw versus Spain.
Analysis: Moreira played the full 90 minutes in Cape Verde's scoreless draw against Spain, contributing four clearances and an interception . Unlike the center-backs, who spent much of the match defending crosses and second balls, he was tasked with containing Spain's wide attackers. He brought valuable experience to Cape Verde's back line after featuring regularly in the MLS and averaging over three recoveries per game last campaign.
Experienced right-back
Moreira has been named in Cape Verde's World Cup squad and is expected to start at right-back throughout the competition.
Analysis: Moreira started 13 of his 14 MLS appearances in 2026 for Columbus Crew, contributing 12 interceptions and nine tackles in a start of the season that further underlines his status as one of the most reliable defenders in Major League Soccer after winning the MLS Defender of the Year award in 2024. The 31-year-old brings 143 MLS regular season appearances for Columbus Crew and a wealth of experience from a career that has taken him through Rennes, Lorient and Toulouse before his move to America, giving Cape Verde a trustworthy and experienced option on the right flank. Moreira heads into the World Cup as one of the most important defensive figures in the squad and a player whose experience and consistency will be crucial in what promises to be an extremely challenging group stage.
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