The last time Argentina lost any knockout football game was in the 2019 Copa America, and if Cape Verde’s fairytale journey in this 2026 FIFA World Cup is to continue, they would have to break that seven-year-old record.
It's another FIFA World Cup round-of-32 action at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday, July 3, as Cape Verde faces an Argentina side looking to make it four wins out of four 2026 FIFA World Cup games.
Blue Sharks boss Bubista will aim to shock the world after historic group stage draws, while a rampant La Albiceleste, making their title defense as world champions, return to action to face a Cape Verde side preparing for their first-ever World Cup knockout match.
Team Form
Argentina: Unbeaten in knockout matches for seven years across all competitions.
Cape Verde: Reached their first knockout stage by remaining unbeaten in three group games.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
Argentina's last defeat in a knockout match came seven years ago in the 2019 Copa America.
Cape Verde has kept two clean sheets from three matches during their successful group campaign.
Cape Verde has failed to win in their last three matches, suffering three consecutive draws.
Lionel Messi was clinical in the group stage, netting six goals for the South American side.
What to Expect From Both Teams
Argentina | Form: WWWWWW:
Lionel Scaloni's side enters this clash with immense confidence, looking to preserve a formidable 10-match overall winning run in front of their fans.
With a squad featuring seasoned veterans like Lionel Messi and clinical finishers like Lautaro Martinez, they provide a stern test for any opposing nation.
Having been paired with Jordan earlier in the finals, this fixture against African opposition is a strategic move to master the required playing style.
Cape Verde | Form: WWWDDD :
Bubista's men are looking to snap a three-match drawing streak where they failed to find the back of the net against Saudi Arabia.
Despite the absence of the injured Telmo Arcanjo, the Blue Sharks still boast experienced heads like Ryan Mendes and Jamiro Monteiro.
With group stage matches against Spain and Uruguay behind them in June, finding their rhythm in Miami this month is a top priority for the technical bench.
Predicted Lineups
Argentina (possible):
E. Martínez, Molina, Romero, Lisandro, Medina, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández, Almada, Messi, Lautaro M.
Cape Verde (possible):
Vozinha, Moreira, Pico, Diney, Cabral, Lenini, Mendes, Duarte, Monteiro, Cabral, Livramento.
Matchups & Players to Watch
Cristian Romero: The sturdy center-back could anchor the defense for Argentina after shaking off a recent knee scare against Austria.
Jamiro Monteiro: A vital cog in the Cape Verde engine room who will be tasked with disrupting Argentina's star-studded midfield.
Lionel Messi: Arrives in great form, having netted six tournament goals this season, posing a constant threat from midfield.
Dailon Rocha Livramento: The top target man will be expected to lead the line and end the goal drought for the Blue Sharks.
Odds Market on MSport
Argentina/Home to win = 1.19
Cape Verde/Away to win = 18.59
Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 2.80
Over 2.5 total goals = 1.68
This clash presents a classic clash of momentum: a dominant world champion side in Argentina faces a Cape Verde team desperate to rediscover their scoring touch before the summer.
With both teams using this as a vital dress rehearsal for the quarterfinals, the Hard Rock Stadium is set for a compelling international night.
