Argentina faces surprise debutant Cape Verde in World Cup 2026 Round of 32

Defending champions Argentina are set to face debutant Cape Verde in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. The match is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, at Miami Stadium, with Argentina aiming to extend their dominant run.

Argentina, managed by Lionel Scaloni, has showcased remarkable consistency, securing a perfect record in the group stage. They are one of only three teams to achieve maximum points, reinforcing their status as strong contenders. Their last defeat in a knockout stage match was in the 2019 Copa America semifinals, and since then, they have won the Copa America in 2021 and 2023, and the 2022 World Cup.

Veteran forward Lionel Messi, at 39, continues to be a formidable force, currently tied for the Golden Boot with six goals in the tournament. Argentina is on an impressive streak, seeking their 11th consecutive victory in major tournaments.

Cape Verde, however, is not to be underestimated. They have emerged as the sole debutant nation to reach the knockout stage, outperforming other new entrants like Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Their success is largely attributed to a strong defensive organization, evidenced by two clean sheets in the group stage, including a goalless draw against Spain.

Goalkeeper Vozinha has been a key player, and the team has demonstrated strong resilience, securing a 2-2 draw against Uruguay after coming from behind. Despite being the lowest-scoring team among the knockout stage participants, Cape Verde's disciplined defense, led by coach Bubista, is expected to pose a significant challenge to Argentina's star-studded offense.