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Rabat – Argentina faces Cape Verde today at Miami Stadium in Florida in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Events & Listings
Argentina reached the knockout stage after comfortably topping Group J with a perfect record of nine points.
Cape Verde advanced from Group H after pulling off an impressive string of results to secure their place in the tournament’s final 32.
The winner will advance to the Round of 16 and remain in contention for the World Cup. Extra time and penalties will decide the tie if the teams remain level after 90 minutes.
Match details:
- Fixture: Argentina vs Cape Verde
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
- Venue: Miami Stadium, Florida (Hard Rock Stadium)
- Date: Friday, July 3, 2026 (USA time) / Saturday, July 4, 2026 (Morocco time)
- Kick-off: 12:00 a.m. Morocco time (Saturday) / 11:00 p.m. GMT (Friday)
- How to watch: beIN Sports in MENA; FS1 in the USA; TSN in Canada; BBC One in the UK
Argentina team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Argentina have a completely clean bill of health heading into the knockout rounds. Defensive stalwart Cristian Romero has shaken off a minor knee scare from the group stage and is ready to start. Captain Lionel Messi is fully fit after being rested from the starting lineup in their final group fixture.
Recent Form: The reigning world champions swept Group J with clinical authority. They opened their campaign with a comprehensive 3–0 win over Algeria, followed by a hard-fought victory against Austria, and concluded the group phase by defeating Jordan.
Key Players: Lionel Messi stands alone at the top of the tournament’s goalscoring charts, having netted 6 goals in just three games. Julian Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez provide elite attacking depth, while midfield engine Rodrigo De Paul helps dictate tempo alongside defensive anchor Cristian Romero.
Sports
Likely XI: E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez, González.
Cape Verde team news
Injuries/Suspensions: The Blue Sharks are dealing with one major absence as midfielder Telmo Arcanjo remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. On a positive note, key figures Kevin Lenini and Jamiro Monteiro have completely recovered from minor fitness issues and are ready to feature.
Recent Form: Cape Verde proved to be one of the most resilient teams in the group stage, remaining unbeaten through three consecutive draws in Group H. They recorded highly disciplined 0–0 stalemates against both Spain and Saudi Arabia, alongside a thrilling 2–2 draw against Uruguay.
Key Players: Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha has been exceptional between the posts. Captain Ryan Mendes offers invaluable experience and pace on the wing, while Jamiro Monteiro controls transitions in midfield alongside defensive rock Roberto Lopes.
Likely XI: Vozinha; Pina, Lopes, Diney, Fernandes; K. Pina; Duarte, Monteiro, Mendes, Semedo; Livramento.
What to expect
Argentina enter the tie as overwhelming favorites due to their devastating attacking output, elite tournament pedigree, and the spectacular form of Lionel Messi. They will look to dominate possession early and break down Cape Verde’s lines with intricate passing sequences.
However, Cape Verde manager Bubista has structured a highly effective, incredibly stubborn 4-1-4-1 defensive block that frustrated global powerhouses like Spain and Uruguay. The Blue Sharks will look to absorb pressure, clog the spaces outside their penalty box, and use Ryan Mendes to spring lightning-fast counter-attacks.
Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Cape Verde.
