Ryan Mendes investigated for alleged rape ahead of World Cup clash with Argentina

Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes, 36, is the subject of a police investigation in New Zealand after a Brazilian translator accused him of raping her at an Auckland hotel during a FIFA Friendly Series event on 27 March 2026. The complaint was filed on 10 April and New Zealand police have seized forensic evidence and hotel security footage, but no criminal charges have been laid and Mendes’ identity is protected under local privacy law.

FIFA said it “takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously” and is in contact with New Zealand authorities, while the Cape Verde Football Federation has not issued a comment. Mendes, the nation’s all‑time leading scorer and most‑capped player, started all three group‑stage matches as Cape Verde reached the round of 32 for the first time. The team will meet defending champions Argentina on 3 July in Miami.

The alleged victim, a Brazilian interpreter hired to assist the Cape Verde delegation, and her husband have asked FIFA and the federation to exclude Mendes from the squad, but no action has been taken so far.