Argentina vs Cape Verde Preview - prediction, team news, lineups | FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32

World champions Argentina eye a win over Macaronesian outfit Cape Verde.

Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) in Florida, United States of America, gears up to host the Round of 32 fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where reigning world champions Argentina and African debutants Cape Verde lock horns in what is set to be a thrilling contest.

La Albiceleste began their World Cup campaign as if it were 2022 and they were still the world champions. After all, the reigning world champions, Argentina, are ranked number 1 in the world in the latest FIFA rankings and have been truly spectacular, winning three out of three games.

After thrashing Algeria 3-0, they defeated Austria 2-0 before scoring three against Jordan in the last game. They have conceded just one goal so far, and they are unarguably one of the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026, and Lionel Scaloni would be delighted to add another jewel to his crown.

The world very well knows the existence of Cape Verde and their football team after they went on to shock everyone by finishing second in Group H. In the first game, they played a goalless draw against reigning Euro champions Spain before holding two time world champions Biesla’s Uruguay to a 2-2 draw.

In the last game, the Macaronesian nation played another goalless draw against Saudi Arabia and three points and three draws were enough to etch their names in golden letters. They became the first team in this century to make it past the group stages without a win. Chile achieved this feat back in 1998.

The winner of this game will lock horns with either seven-time AFCON champions Egypt or Australia in the Round of 16 clash in Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026.

The Round of 32 brings a fierce, knockout intensity where reputations matter less than 90 minutes of pure desire. The tournament enters a phase where absolute underdogs can stun football giants. Fans can expect a thrilling, high-stakes battle where any result is possible and either side has everything it takes to win.

Kick-off:

• Location: Miami Gardens, Florida, USA
• Stadium: Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium)
• Date: Friday, July 3
• Kick-off time: 11 p.m. BST, 6 p.m. local EDT [Saturday, July 4 at 3:30 a.m. IST]
• Referee: Drew Fischer (Canada)
• VAR: In use

Form:

Argentina (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Cape Verde (in all competitions): D-D-D-W-D

Players to Watch

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Arguably the greatest player to ever play this beautiful game of football, Lionel Messi, the little boy from Rosario, at 39, even in his final few days as a football player, is one of the top contenders to win the Golden Boot and smash records after records in FIFA World Cup 2026.

Messi has now surpassed Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. He set a tournament record by scoring in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches. He will be a delight to watch in the next game as Argentina look forward to advancing to the Round of 16.

Vozinha (Cape Verde)

A few weeks ago, hardly any people knew about the existence of Cape Verde and Vozinha. But now the 40-year-old custodian from Mindelo has become a folk hero in Africa. Vozinha’s heroics single-handedly carried Cape Verde to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Chaves goalkeeper has kept two clean sheets so far and will be keen to pull out his best performance against Argentina to even think of pulling out a potential upset against world champions Argentina in the Round of 32 fixture.

Match Facts

• Argentina and Cape Verde have never played each other previously
• Argentina are coming after winning all three games in the group stages.
• Cape Verde drew every single game in Group H, including two goalless draw.

Argentina vs Cape Verde: Betting Tips and Odds

• Argentina to win the game – 1/7 with bet365
• Lionel Messi to score – 1/2 with bet365
• Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde – 11/2 with bet365

Injury and Team News

Messi and Alexis Mac Allister are set to return to the playing eleven after being benched against Jordan. There were doubts over Tottenham defender Romero’s fitness but he seems fit to play the next game.

Telmo Arcanjo, Jamiro Monteiro and Kevin Lenini’s fitness remains doubtful. However, Monteiro and Lenini have shown signs of improvement and may be available to start the next game.

Head-to-Head

Argentina and Cape Verde have never played each other previously

Predicted Lineups

Argentine predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Emiliano Martínez (GK); Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez.

Cape Verde predicted lineup (4-1-4-1)

Vozinha (GK); Steven Moreira, Roberto Lopes, Diney Borges, Sidny Lopes Cabral; Kevin Lenini; Ryan Mendes, Deroy Duarte, Jamiro Monteiro, Jovane Cabral; Dailon Livramento.

Match Prediction

Well, Cape Verde have proved that they do not fear any team. They remained unbeaten against two former world champions. But Argentina is on a very different level and given their form, an upset looks unlikely. But La Albiceleste would not have an easy time finding the back of the net against a solid African defence.

Prediction: Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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