2026 FIFA World Cup: Round of 32 – Argentina vs Cape Verde

Argentina look to avoid suffering a shock cupset against minnows, Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Argentina progressed through the Group Stage as Group J winners, whilst Cape Verde pulled off a shock second-placed finish in Group H.

 

Team News

Cristian Romero is set to return for Argentina after he sat out their 3-1 win over Jordan as a precaution, having suffered a knee injury in a 2-0 victory over Austria in their second group match.

Lionel Messi was utilised as a substitute against Jordan due to fitness management, but he is set to return to the starting line-up here.

Cape Verde could be without Ryan Mendes for personal reasons subject to any movement on a criminal investigation, but it is widely thought that he will be available for selection in this match.

Telmo Arcanjo is still a doubt after he missed their 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia due to a muscle-related leg injury.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Argentina meet Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA, on Friday 3 July at 6pm EDT (11pm BST), live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Argentina’s first World Cup meeting against Cape Verde.
• Cape Verde have never met Argentina before in all competitions.
• 15 of Argentina’s 34 shots in the Group Stage were produced by Lionel Messi.
• Cape Verde are the only debutants at this year’s tournament to advance to the knockout stages, as Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan finished bottom of their groups.

 

Prediction

Having comfortably progressed through Group J unbeaten even amidst various changes to the line-up for their victory over Jordan, Argentina can’t afford to underestimate Cape Verde because if they do and approach this complacently then they could put themselves at risk.

Cape Verde meanwhile failed to win a single game in Group H yet finished behind game with three draws,  of which two were 0-0 – including against their group winners, Spain – which underlines their defensive resilience, but they now are in for their biggest test imaginable.

As much as some might hope for a cupset, I just think Argentina will be too strong for Cape Verde to defensively handle in terms of attacking firepower, so this should be an one-sided result even if patience is initially needed.

Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Cape Verde