ArgentinavsCape Verde

Argentina edged Cape Verde 3–2. Goalscorers — Argentina: L. Messi 29', L. Martinez 92', D. Borges 111' (OG); Cape Verde: D. Duarte 59', S. Lopes Cabral 103'.

Argentina met Cape Verde in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens on Friday, July 3, 2026. It belongs to the Round of 32 — the opening knockout stage introduced for the expanded 48-team format in 2026, bringing together the 12 group winners, 12 runners-up and the eight best third-placed teams. From this point the tournament is win-or-go-home.

Argentina go in ranked 3rd in the FIFA World Ranking to Cape Verde's 68th — a gap of 65 places that marks Argentina out as clear favourites on paper. It is an inter-confederation meeting — Argentina of CONMEBOL against Cape Verde of CAF — the kind of contrast in styles the World Cup exists to stage.

Argentina enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as defending champions and one of the strongest favorites to retain the trophy. Under the continued guidance of head coach Lionel Scaloni, La Albiceleste have built a squad that blends the brilliance of their golden generation with emerging young talent.

Cape Verde are one of the smallest nations ever to compete at a FIFA World Cup, with a population of just over 500,000. The Blue Sharks have risen remarkably through African football, regularly qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations and producing players who compete in Portugal and other European leagues due to the islands' historical ties to Portugal.

Argentina: Argentina have won the FIFA World Cup three times: 1978 on home soil, 1986 in Mexico inspired by Diego Maradona's iconic performances, and most recently in 2022 in Qatar where Lionel Messi finally lifted the trophy. Cape Verde: Cape Verde have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup.

The match is scheduled at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, United States. Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00 PM (06:00 PM ET).