World Cup 2026: Argentina's Lionel Scaloni warns against underestimating Cape Verde

Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of Argentina, has called for respect for their surprising opponent, Cape Verde, in the upcoming 2026 World Cup Round of 16 clash. Scaloni emphasized that the "Blue Sharks" have earned their place in the knockout stage through merit, arriving undefeated after drawing all three of their group matches.

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This is a team that has not lost.

"This is a team that has not lost," Scaloni stated during a press conference in Miami, acknowledging Cape Verde's strong performances against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. He specifically praised their tactical discipline, noting their ability to shut down interior passes and execute effective counter-attacks, attributing their success to "good players with good feet." Scaloni stressed that Cape Verde's presence in this stage is "not by chance" and that Argentina will approach the match with the utmost respect.

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The interior passes they cover well and then they break out very well on the counter, they have good players with good feet.

The upcoming game will mark Scaloni's 100th match leading the Argentine national team. While acknowledging Argentina's status as favorites, he aimed to downplay the pressure, focusing instead on the opponent's strengths. Scaloni also expressed a desire for more goal distribution within his own team, though he remains satisfied as long as Argentina secures victories and creates scoring opportunities.

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They are not there by chance. We have to respect them and that's what we will do.

When asked about the tournament's standout teams, Scaloni singled out France for particular praise, describing them as "a great team" and "one to keep an eye on." He also mentioned Brazil, Portugal, England, Mexico, Spain, and Colombia as strong contenders in the competition. Scaloni's comments reflect a cautious yet confident approach as Argentina prepares to navigate the critical knockout phase of the World Cup.

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We would love it if we shared the goals with the whole team.