Even with limited Mozambique appearances caps under his belt, Pepo Santos has already shown he could be a key figure in a potentially historic qualification campaign for the FIFA World Cup 26.

Pepo made his debut for the national team in 2024 and now, aged 31, the Portugal-born forward is enjoying an impressive run of form for Mozambique, his mother's country of birth.

In March 2025, he excelled during his side's 3-1 win over Uganda, scoring two fine goals – one of which was direct from a corner kick – as well as providing an assist. Mozambique were beaten 5-1 by Group G pacesetters Algeria in their next match, but still sit in second place and just three points behind the leaders.

In CAF qualifying, the nine group winners will secure a direct ticket to the World Cup, with the four best second-place teams advancing to another round to determine the confederation's representatives in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

With everything still to play for, Pepo spoke to FIFA about Mozambique's big ambitions.

FIFA: How does it feel to play in high-stakes World Cup qualifying matches?

Pepo: It's an unbelievable feeling. Unfortunately, I never managed to play at this level earlier in my career. Coming up against players of that quality has been great, I'm really proud of that.

FIFA: Do you believe Mozambique will be at the World Cup?

Pepo: We know that losing to Algeria has made the task more difficult. Even so, we still believe we can do it. Anyone could still slip up. We're going to try to be ready to take advantage if that happens. If not, we'll fight to be one of the best second-place finishers to make it into the play-offs. We believe that we can do it.

FIFA: Do the Mozambique players talk about the dream of qualifying?

Pepo: Of course. We'll do everything we can to make it happen. But we're also aware that we're already creating history for Mozambique, and we're very proud of the journey we've been on.

FIFA: What was going through your head at the end of the match against Uganda?

Pepo: To be honest, my thoughts at the end of that match were that we actually had a chance to get to the World Cup. I really want to play in these big games, and helping the team with goals is an unbelievable feeling. What was going through my head was that we could qualify.

FIFA: You scored a goal straight from a corner. Did you mean it?

Pepo: I meant it, yes. The keeper was way off his line and I had the wind in my favour, so I went for it.

FIFA: Have you scored a goal like that before?

Pepo: Yes, I scored from a corner when I was playing for UD Leiria – and it was filmed, I have proof! I've tried it a few other times before and, thankfully, this time it went in again.

FIFA: You provided a great assist for Stanley Ratifo, too. Do you consider yourself more of a goalscorer or someone who creates chances?

Pepo: If I had to choose one, I'd say I'm more of a goalscorer. But I also really like to provide assists – I actually have more assists than goals. I really like to provide for my team-mates.

FIFA: You were born in Portugal, but you decided to represent Mozambique. What was it like to be called up for the national team?

Pepo: I'd already been called up when I was 25 or 26 but, for personal reasons, it never ended up happening. As the years passed, the conversations seemed to be dwindling. Then, when I was 30 and playing for Caldas, the call came again. The call-up came at the right moment.

FIFA: In terms of your role with the team, what type of conversations did you have with Mozambique coach Chiquinho Conde?

Pepo: They've always been very transparent, very open. My role has always been very clear, which was about trying to help the national team achieve its goals. To be honest, Mozambique had already come a long way before I came into the team – they'd already been to the Africa Cup of Nations and were picking up some good results. My role was to help them.

FIFA: How does it feel to be such an experience player, but just starting out in international football?

Pepo: I came into the national team later in my career, despite my first call-up coming when I was younger. I think it came at a point when it all made sense. I feel that I was really prepared for those games. My ambition is the same as when I was younger.