Argentina and Cape Verde face off in a crucial Round of 32 duel at the 2026 World Cup, where both sides are looking to secure a place among the tournament’s best 16 teams. One of the most lopsided matchups on paper in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 takes place at Miami Stadium, where reigning champions Argentina face a Cape Verde side making history as the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout rounds.
Argentina were dominant throughout the group stage, winning all three of their matches against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, conceding just a single goal and securing first place with a perfect record.
For this crucial game, Lionel Messi is expected to start, returning to the lineup after being rested for the final group game against Jordan. The Argentine captain has been in red-hot form, already leading the tournament, alongside Kylian Mbappe, with six goals.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, punched their ticket to the knockouts as runners-up in Group H, opening with a goalless draw against Spain, following it with a thrilling 2-2 comeback draw versus Uruguay, and closing with another shutout against Saudi Arabia.
𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 will be a special day 🇦🇷🏆🇨🇻 pic.twitter.com/XH9YPeyQsF— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) July 3, 2026
Argentina projected lineup
Lionel Scaloni is expected to go back to his strongest available group now that the group stage is behind him, with Messi reinserted into the attack alongside Lautaro Martinez up top.
Argentina’s projected starting XI: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez.
Cape Verde projected lineup
Bubista is projected to stick with the disciplined setup that has produced two clean sheets so far, built around a well-organized backline shielded by a holding midfielder, with goalkeeper Vozinha as their big star.
Cape Verde’s projected starting XI: Vozinha; Kenny Moreira, Alex Pico, Roberto Lopes, Stopira Cabral; Patrick Lenini; Ryan Mendes, Jamiro Duarte, Jamiro Monteiro, Julio Cabral; Dylan Livramento.