Reigning champions Argentina begin their knockout campaign against Cape Verde as the two nations meet in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
Few expected Argentina to have too many problems reaching this stage and they didn’t, finishing top of Group J. With three wins from three, Lionel Messi and co couldn’t have asked for a better group stage.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, have already become one of the stories of the tournament. After coming through a difficult Group H, not only did they book their place in the knockouts, but they did it by going unbeaten.
Argentina start as clear favourites on paper, but Cape Verde have already upset one tournament favourite in Spain. Knockout football is a different scenario entirely. They will know what they are up against when they face off against the World Champions.
The winners of this tie will move on to the round of 16, where a clash with either Australia or Egypt in Atlanta.
How to watch Argentina vs Cape Verde
Argentina vs Cape Verde kicks off at 23:00 GMT on Friday, July 3 at the Miami Stadium.
This match will be shown live in the UK on ITV, with streaming also available via ITVX.
In the United States, World Cup coverage is available on FOX Sports and Telemundo.
In Canada, coverage is available on CTV, TSN and RDS.
Argentina team news
Before the tournament started, everyone was aware of Lionel Messi’s influence on this Argentina squad. However, I’d hedge my bets that nobody thought he would still be so integral to the team.
The forward hasn’t just turned up for the tournament. He is the leading goalscorer and has broken multiple records during the group stages. Including becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history.
But you can’t win a World Cup without just one man. Behind the excellence of Messi, Argentina also boast a highly capable squad.
The central midfield partnership between Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister has proved fruitful so far. They are expected to return to the side after being rested last time out.
Another strong partnership within the ranks is Lisandro Martinez and Christian Romero at the heart of defence. They will be hoping for a relatively quiet affair here.
There are no known injuries or suspensions in the Argentina camp, so manager Lionel Scaloni has a full squad at his disposal.
Expected XI:
(4-4-2) Martínez – Montiel, Romero, Martínez, Medina – De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández, Almada – Messi, Martínez.
Cape Verde team news
Cape Verde are expected to stick with the side that guided them through the group stage, with Bubista unlikely to make many changes ahead of the biggest game in the nation’s history.
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha is set to continue between the posts after playing a key role in Cape Verde’s impressive defensive displays, while Diney Borges and Roberto Lopes are expected to start in front of him.
The midfield should once again be packed with experience and energy. Ryan Mendes and Willy Semedo are likely to provide the width, with Deroy Duarte, Kevin Pina and Jamiro Monteiro operating through the middle.
Dailon Livramento is expected to lead the line as the lone striker, while Telmo Arcanjo remains unavailable through injury and is set to miss out once again.
Expected XI:
(4-1-4-1) Vozinha – Pina, Lopes, Borges, Paulo – Pina – Mendes, Duarte, Monteiro, Semedo – Livramento.
Argentina vs Cape Verde stats
- Argentina are unbeaten in their World Cup group stage matches in this tournament.
- Cape Verde are competing in their first-ever World Cup knockout match.
- This is the first competitive meeting between Argentina and Cape Verde at senior level.
- Argentina have reached the knockout stages in consecutive World Cups.
- Cape Verde qualified for the round of 32 after finishing as one of the best third-placed teams.
- Argentina have scored in every match so far in the tournament.
- Cape Verde conceded fewer goals in the group stage than any previous debutant knockout side at this World Cup.
- Argentina have never lost to African opposition in World Cup knockout football.
- Lionel Messi scored six goals in the three group games, including a hat-trick against Algeria.
- Messi also became the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer with 19 goals.
Argentina vs Cape Verde prediction
Messi and Argentina won’t expect anything straightforward here, even against a Cape Verde side playing in their first knockout match at this level.
They’ve done the job in the group stage, but this is the point of the tournament where efficiency matters more than entertainment.
Cape Verde, for their part, have already shown enough organisation and discipline to suggest they won’t be overwhelmed easily.
They’ve defended well and will try to keep Argentina frustrated for as long as possible. The longer it stays level, the more tension creeps into a game like this.
That said, Argentina have too much quality across the pitch, and they’ve found ways to win even when not at their sharpest.
You’d expect them to control large parts of the game and eventually break through, even if it takes patience.
In the end, you have to fancy Argentina to qualify. If they don’t, then it will surely be the biggest upset in World Cup history.
If Argentina are to breakthrough then my money is on Lionel Messi being the man to do it. Groundbreaking stuff, I know. Messi will relish playing in Miami as he does at club level. That’s why I’m backing him to net 2+ goals here.
Cape Verde have been solid defensively this tournament but haven’t been as cut-throat up the other end. Combine that with Argentina being fairly solid at the back and Argentina to win to nil and both teams to score – no markets look attractive.
Given the difference between the two squads, you are probably better off pooling a few options together for this one rather than relying on outrights.
