Omonia goalkeeper Fabiano included in Cyprus squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Cyprus national team coach Apostolos Mandzios has included Omonia goalkeeper Fabiano Freitas in the squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. The player recently obtained Cypriot citizenship and has been called up to the senior national team for the first time. This was announced by the Cyprus Football Association on August 29.

The Cyprus national team will play two matches: on September 6 away against Austria, and on September 9 at home against Romania (GSP Stadium, kickoff at 21:45). The squad consists of 26 players representing local and foreign clubs, including APOEL, Anorthosis, Aris, Apollon, Pafos F.C., as well as teams from Greece, England, Italy, and other countries. The first training session is scheduled for September 1 at 18:00 at the AEK Arena.

For residents of Cyprus, the new squad means a possible strengthening of the goalkeeper position in the upcoming official matches. The inclusion of naturalized players allows for higher competition within the team and may affect qualification results. The practice of inviting new citizens to national teams aligns with common football policies in EU countries, including Cyprus, and has previously brought positive results to the island’s teams.