If he plays, Lopes would become the first active Shamrock Rovers player to appear at a World Cup, just days before his 34th birthday. The report says he has already tested himself against high-level opposition in Europe and represented Cape Verde at two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
That experience could prove valuable on a night when the occasion threatens to overwhelm a team appearing at football’s biggest tournament for the first time.
Spain offer an immediate examination of Cape Verde’s organisation, composure and defensive discipline. Their technical quality and ability to control possession will place particular demands on Lopes and the rest of the back line.
Lopes has reportedly focused less on individual Spanish stars and more on the team’s collective patterns. That approach makes sense: Spain’s danger comes from the depth and fluency of their football, rather than one player alone.
Cape Verde’s ambition is clear. They are not expected to sit back simply to admire the occasion, and Lopes has welcomed the chance to measure his side against one of the leading teams in the competition.
Strong support is expected in Atlanta, with Lopes’ family due to attend and Cape Verdean supporters travelling from across the United States. That backing could give the underdogs energy during the difficult spells.
The defender may even break a long-standing habit by seeking a shirt after the match. “I've never really done it over my career in terms of looking for jerseys,” he said. “I'm 33 now, nearly 34, I don't think I'll get the opportunity to collect someone's jersey again from a World Cup.”
The next storyline is whether Lopes is named in Cape Verde’s starting team-and whether he can help turn a historic appearance into a genuinely competitive opening chapter.