According to Brazilian media outlet Globo, the complainant, a Brazilian national, alleged that Mendes sexually assaulted her in a hotel room in Auckland during the tournament held in March 2026. The woman reportedly informed local police about the incident and underwent a medical examination following the alleged assault.

The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet confirmed whether criminal charges will be filed against the footballer. Mendes has not been convicted of any offence, and no court has ruled on the allegations so far.

The development comes at a crucial moment for Cape Verde football. The African nation, making its debut appearance at a FIFA World Cup, has emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise performers and has reached the Round of 32. The team is scheduled to face defending world champions Argentina on July 4.

Globo reported that medical examinations conducted after the alleged incident found multiple injuries on the woman’s body. The report further claimed that photographs of the injuries were submitted to police investigators and later shared with the media outlet.

The complainant also alleged that she informed three officials associated with the Cape Verde national team about the incident. However, according to the report, she did not receive a response from any of them.

Neither the Cape Verde Football Federation nor officials connected with the national team have publicly addressed the allegations. Media reports indicated that requests for comment sent to team representatives had not received a response at the time of publication.

FIFA has acknowledged awareness of the matter. In a statement cited by USA TODAY, the governing body said it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and remains in contact with relevant authorities in New Zealand. FIFA declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing nature of the case.

The allegations have drawn attention beyond the football field because of the timing and significance of Cape Verde’s World Cup campaign. The island nation has become the smallest country ever to reach the knockout stage of the tournament.

Cape Verde also finished the group stage unbeaten despite being drawn alongside former world champions Spain and Uruguay. The team’s disciplined performances and defensive resilience have earned widespread praise, with veteran goalkeeper Vozinha playing a key role in the campaign.

Mendes, one of the most experienced players in the squad, featured in all three group-stage matches. While he has yet to score in the tournament, he remains one of Cape Verde’s most recognizable football figures and a central presence in the team’s attack.

With the World Cup entering its knockout phase, attention is now likely to remain on both the legal proceedings and Cape Verde’s performance on the pitch. Further details regarding the investigation are awaited.