2026 World Cup: Argentina struggles past Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time

Argentina, the defending champions, faced a stern test from debutants Cape Verde, ultimately securing a narrow 3-2 victory after extra time to advance to the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup. The match, held at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2026, was a dramatic encounter that saw Cape Verde repeatedly challenge Argentina's dominance.

Lionel Messi put Argentina ahead in the 29th minute with a powerful shot. However, Cape Verde showed great spirit, equalizing in the 59th minute through Deroy Duarte, who capitalized on an assist from Ryan Mendes. The score remained level until the 92nd minute when Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina's lead from a corner kick taken by Alexis Mac Allister.

Cape Verde's resilience was again on display in the 103rd minute when Sidny Lopes Cabral scored a spectacular goal from outside the penalty area, leveling the score at 2-2. Just as the match seemed headed for a penalty shootout, Argentina secured the decisive goal in the 111th minute. A corner kick resulted in Cape Verde defender Diney Borges inadvertently deflecting Christian Romero's header into his own net.

Despite dominating possession with 64% and registering 22 shots, 10 on target, Argentina was pushed to its limits by Cape Verde's 13 attempts, five of which were on goal. Emiliano Martinez made a crucial save from a late free-kick by Sidny Lopes Cabral to preserve Argentina's lead. Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16, after Egypt defeated Australia in their tie.

“

Argentina directly showed dominance from the start of the match. Messi repeatedly threatened Cape Verde's goal, but Vozinha's brilliant performance made those chances fail to result in goals.