Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina return to the field on Friday with a place in the Round of 16 at stake as they take on Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
On paper, the matchup heavily favors Argentina. Lionel Scaloni’s side cruised through the group stage with three straight victories and has looked every bit like a team capable of defending the title they won in Qatar four years ago. Cape Verde, however, has already become one of the tournament’s biggest stories after reaching the knockout rounds in their first-ever World Cup appearance.
The two nations meet for the first time at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where one team will continue its World Cup journey and the other will head home.
Read More: 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule: Bracket, Fixtures, Results, Dates, Venues and TV Guide
Argentina Carry Perfect Record Into Knockout Stage
Argentina arrived in Miami after finishing top of Group J with maximum points.
The reigning world champions opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, followed by a 2-0 win against Austria before wrapping up the group stage with a 3-1 victory over Jordan.
The Albiceleste have scored eight goals while conceding just once, with Messi once again leading the attack.
The Inter Miami star has already found the net six times during the tournament, putting himself firmly in the race for another Golden Boot after finishing as the competition’s top scorer in 2022.
Despite Argentina’s dominant run, head coach Lionel Scaloni insisted his side will not underestimate Cape Verde.
“They’re a good team. We’ve already watched them, not just because we are playing against them, but because we were analysing potential opponents and then they qualified,” Scaloni said.
“We are not surprised, to be honest. They are a good team, and they are not here by chance. We must respect them and that’s what we will do.”
Cape Verde Continues Their Fairytale World Cup Journey
Cape Verde may be tournament newcomers, but they have already proven they belong on football’s biggest stage.
The island nation advanced from Group H without suffering a defeat, collecting three draws against strong opposition.
Their group-stage campaign included:
- Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
- Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde
- Saudi Arabia 0-0 Cape Verde
Those results made Cape Verde the only one of the tournament’s debutants to reach the Round of 32.
Head coach Bubista said his team has no intention of changing its approach simply because it is facing the defending champions.
“Since we arrived, we have trusted in our own way of working and in what we have done. If others did not respect us, that was their issue. We trust our work.”
Team News
Argentina has reported no injury concerns ahead of Friday’s match and is expected to field a full-strength lineup.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, will be without Telmo Arcanjo, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Defender Sidny Lopes Cabral returns after serving a one-match suspension.
Predicted Argentina XI
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez.
Predicted Cape Verde XI
Vozinha; Moreira, Lopes, Borges, Cabral; Pina; Mendes, Duarte, Monteiro, Semedo; Livramento.
Kickoff Time and How to Watch
Match: Argentina vs Cape Verde
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32
Date: Friday, July 3
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
TV Channel (United States)
- FOX
Streaming
- Fubo
- FOX One
- Peacock
- Telemundo App
Betting Odds
According to BetMGM:
- Argentina: -625
- Cape Verde: +1550
- Draw: +650
Argentina also remains among the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with only France carrying shorter outright odds.
Head-to-Head
Friday’s encounter will be the first-ever meeting between Argentina and Cape Verde.
Argentina has won each of its last seven World Cup matches against African opposition since a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon at the 1990 tournament.
Cape Verde is also making history as the only third nation to face the defending World Cup champions in the knockout stage in their debut World Cup appearance.
Prediction
Cape Verde has earned plenty of admirers with their disciplined performances and fearless approach, but Argentina enters the match with momentum, experience, and one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks.
Messi has been in outstanding form, and the defending champions have looked comfortable on both sides of the ball throughout the group stage.
Opta’s supercomputer gives Argentina an 81% chance of winning in regulation time and an 89.4% chance of reaching the Round of 16. Cape Verde advanced in only 10.6% of 25,000 pre-match simulations, underlining the size of the challenge ahead.
Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Cape Verde
