Defending champions Argentina will take on debutant Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The winner of this match will face either Australia or Egypt in the Round of 16, which is scheduled for July 7 at the Atlanta Stadium.
Both sides have never faced each other in senior international football. Cabo Verde, the smallest nation by population to qualify, have had an impressive World Cup campaign so far, as all their Group stage matches ended in a draw.
Quick match details
Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026
Stage: Round of 32
Date: July 4
Kick-off Time: 3:00 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET / 11:00 p.m. BST & 3:30 a.m. IST (July 5)
Venue: Miami Gardens, Florida, United States
Argentina vs Cabo Verde: Match Preview and Current Form
Argentina
Argentina will head into their Round of 32 clash in incredible form, having won every game so far. They picked up all 9 points on offer in Group J, winning all three matches. That extends their overall winning streak to 10 games in a row.
Lionel Messi, who will lead the side, is now the World Cup’s all-time top scorer, having reached 19 goals. Argentina have been scoring freely too, averaging nearly 2.67 goals per game in the tournament, while their defense has been rock solid, having let in just one goal across the three group games. Adding to the good news, Cristian Romero is back in full training ahead of the game.
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Messi has been a vital player for Argentina as he has scored six of the eight goals scored by the side, which is 75% of the team’s goals. Still, other players will need to chip in if Scaloni’s side wants to go all the way. That includes Lautaro Martinez (38 goals for Argentina), Julian Alvarez (14 goals), and Enzo Fernandez, who likes to get into the box.
World Cup form: W-W-W
Cape Verde
Cape Verde have stunned the football world through pure defensive resilience. The Blue Sharks drew all 3 group games, eliminating Uruguay in the process. They are the first World Cup debutants to go unbeaten in the group stage since Senegal in 2002. Goalkeeper Vozinha kept 2 clean sheets, boasting an 83% save percentage.
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However, Cape Verde have scored the fewest goals in the knockout stage, but their defense has been strong, and that kind of solid defending can be really valuable in knockout football, where one mistake can end your tournament.
To have a chance against Argentina, they’ll need to stay well-organized without the ball, just like they did when they held their own against Spain in their World Cup debut. Coach Bubista and his team are ready to take on the challenge as they chase a historic win over the world champion.
World Cup form: D-D-D
Argentina vs Cabo Verde: Team News and Injury Updates
Argentina
Messi came off the bench to help beat Jordan, and he’s expected to start this time, along with Alexis Mac Allister. Rodrigo De Paul, who was rested for their final group stage game, should also be back in the starting line-up.
There was a scare when Cristian Romero seemed to hurt his knee against Austria, but he’s reportedly fine and should come back into the team, likely replacing Nicolas Otamendi.
Cabo Verde
On the other side, Cape Verde (the “Blue Sharks”) had their own injury worries before their last group game — Telmo Arcanjo, Jamiro Monteiro and Kevin Lenini all picked up knocks. Only Arcanjo’s muscle injury has actually kept him out since, though, as the other two have continued playing.
Dailon Rocha Livramento scored four of Cape Verde’s 16 goals during qualifying, but he hasn’t scored yet at this World Cup. His six international goals overall are still well behind Ryan Mendes’ 22, and a bit short of Garry Rodrigues’ 10 as well.
Argentina and Cabo Verde Probable starting XI
Argentina Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández
Attacker: Thiago Almada
Forward: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez
Cabo Verde Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Vozinha
Defenders: Steven Moreira, Roberto Lopes, Diney Borges, Stopira Cabral
Midfielders: Deroy Duarte, Jovane Cabral, João Paulo Mendes, Lenini
Attacker: Jamiro Monteiro
Forward: Beto Livramento
Also Read: Teams With Most Titles In FIFA World Cup History
