2026 World Cup : We will play Argentina with the right attitude - Cape Verde coach

Cape Verde's national football team has achieved a historic milestone, qualifying for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in their very first appearance. This remarkable feat makes them the smallest nation ever to reach the tournament's final rounds.

The West African team secured their place by finishing second in Group H with three points. They went undefeated in a challenging group that featured powerhouses Spain and Uruguay, drawing their final match 0-0 against Saudi Arabia. Their performance has earned them a Round of 32 clash against defending champions Argentina.

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It’s a bit of a shock, although we’d always had it in mind that we might reach this stage after the first two matches. We told the players they had to work hard and have confidence because the reward would come. And here ​we are. The people of Cape Verde should be proud of what this team has done so ​far. It’s something ⁠incredible.

Coach Bubista described the achievement as "a bit of a shock," though he acknowledged the team had harbored hopes of reaching this stage. "We told the players they had to work hard and have confidence because the reward would come. And here we are," he said. "The people of Cape Verde should be proud of what this team has done so far. It’s something incredible."

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They have Messi, who needs no introduction. We represent our island, but we also represent Africa. It’s a source of immense pride.

Facing Lionel Messi-led Argentina is seen as an honor for Bubista and his squad. However, the coach emphasized that his team will approach the game with the "right attitude and a sense of responsibility but also with our own personality and character." He added, "We represent our island, but we also represent Africa. It’s a source of immense pride."

Cape Verde will play defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32 on Friday, July 3, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

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We’ll play our game with the right attitude and a sense of responsibility but also with our ⁠own personality and character.