Argentina vs Cabo Verde: FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Preview, Prediction, Team News, Lineups & How to Watch
Defending champions Argentina face tournament surprise package Cabo Verde in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Friday, July 3, 2026. The knockout clash will take place at Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) in Florida, with a place in the Round of 16 at stake.
Argentina progressed as Group J winners, while World Cup debutants Cabo Verde made history by becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, finishing unbeaten as runners-up in Group H. After an impressive group-stage campaign, the Blue Sharks now face their biggest challenge yet against the reigning world champions.
When is Argentina vs Cabo Verde?
The Argentina vs Cabo Verde Round of 32 match will be played on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Argentina vs Cabo Verde Round 32 Kickoff Time?
Kickoff Times:
- 6:00 PM EDT (Miami Local Time)
- 10:00 PM GMT
Where is Argentina vs Cabo Verde?
The match thy will be held at Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) in Miami Gardens, Florida, USA, one of the host venues for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How to Watch Argentina vs Cabo Verde Live
Fans worldwide can watch the match through FIFA's official broadcast partners.
United States
- FOX Sports (English)
- Telemundo (Spanish)
- Live Streaming: Fubo and Peacock
United Kingdom
- BBC or ITV (subject to the official broadcast schedule)
- Live Streaming: BBC iPlayer and ITVX
International
Fans in other countries should check FIFA's official broadcast partners and local TV listings for live coverage and streaming availability.
Argentina Team News
Head coach Lionel Scaloni rotated his squad during the final group-stage fixtures to ensure his key players remain fresh for the knockout rounds.
Captain Lionel Messi is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested, while defender Cristian Romero continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained earlier in the tournament. If Romero is unavailable, veteran Nicolás Otamendi is expected to partner Lisandro Martínez in central defense.
Cabo Verde Team News
Cabo Verde have been one of the biggest success stories of the tournament. The Blue Sharks reached the knockout stage without losing a group-stage match, thanks to a disciplined defensive system and effective counterattacking football.
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, now 40 years old, has been one of the standout performers after recording clean sheets against Spain and Saudi Arabia. Head coach Bubista has no major injury concerns and is expected to field his strongest available lineup.
Predicted Lineups
Argentina Predicted XI (4-3-3)
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González.
Cabo Verde Predicted XI (4-3-3)
Vozinha; Steven Moreira Pina, Logan Costa, Roberto Lopes, João Paulo Fernandes; Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Deroy Duarte; Gilson Tavares Mendes, Livramento, Bebé.
Argentina vs Cabo Verde Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first-ever senior international meeting between Argentina and Cabo Verde in any competition.
Match Preview
Argentina enter the knockout stage among the favorites to retain the FIFA World Cup title. Led by Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, and Enzo Fernández, La Albiceleste possess the experience and attacking depth needed to challenge for another championship.
Cabo Verde have exceeded expectations with a disciplined defensive approach and quick transitions. Their ability to frustrate stronger opponents has been one of the tournament's biggest surprises, but containing Argentina's world-class attack for 90 minutes will be an enormous task.
Argentina vs Cabo Verde Prediction
Cabo Verde deserve enormous credit for reaching the knockout stage on their World Cup debut, but Argentina's quality, experience, and depth make them clear favorites.
Expect Cabo Verde to defend compactly and look for counterattacking opportunities, while Argentina should dominate possession and create the majority of chances.
Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Cabo Verde
What's Next?
The winner will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, moving one step closer to another World Cup title challenge. Argentina will aim to continue their title defense, while Cabo Verde will hope to extend their remarkable fairytale run in their first-ever World Cup appearance.
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