Ryan Mendes faces rape investigation ahead of 2026 World Cup

Captain Ryan Mendes of the Green Cape national football team is under official investigation for an alleged rape. The incident is said to have occurred in March during the team's friendly matches in New Zealand ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

A Brazilian translator working for the team reported that after a match against Chile she was invited to a hotel room, left when she realized many people were present, and was then followed by Mendes who entered the room and sexually assaulted her. She photographed the marks on her body as evidence. New Zealand police opened an investigation on 27 April. The Green Cape Football Federation and FIFA have so far declined to comment beyond confirming they are in contact with New Zealand authorities.