Argentina and Cape Verde are facing each other for the first time in international football. On July 3rd in Kathmandu, during the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, reigning champions Argentina will go head-to-head with the debutants Cape Verde. The match will take place at Miami Stadium, United States, starting at 2:30 AM local time. This is Cape Verde’s maiden experience at the FIFA World Cup. Previously, the citizens of this small island nation, who used to watch star players from Brazil and Argentina on television, are now witnessing history as their country competes in the knockout stage. With a population of around half a million, Cape Verde is the smallest nation to reach the World Cup’s knockout rounds. Among the four debutant teams participating in this tournament, Cape Verde is the only one to advance to the final 32.
Both Argentina and Cape Verde enter this competition undefeated. Argentina topped Group J with wins over Algeria (3–0), Austria (2–0), and Jordan (3–1), maintaining a perfect record as they advanced. Cape Verde made history by finishing as runners-up in Group H, drawing against two former World Cup winners, Spain and Uruguay. Argentina’s 39-year-old captain Lionel Messi is in peak form, having scored six goals in the three group matches, currently leading the Golden Boot race. Messi’s prowess, alongside world-class teammates Julian Alvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Alexis Mac Allister, presents a formidable challenge for Cape Verde.
Cape Verde’s strongest asset lies in its defensive line. The team secured two clean sheets in the group stage, including goalless draws against Spain and Saudi Arabia. Cape Verde’s 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper Vozinha has become the third oldest goalkeeper in history to keep more than two clean sheets at a World Cup. Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged that Cape Verde is no easy opponent, emphasizing their achievements are the result of skill rather than luck. “Cape Verde are not an easy team. They have come here not by chance but as an excellent team. We must respect them and step onto the field with due respect,” Scaloni stated. Cape Verde’s head coach Bubista expressed that they will continue with their natural and fearless style of play against Argentina. “From the start, we have believed in our work and capabilities. If others do not respect us, that is their problem. Against Argentina, we will maintain our natural and fearless approach,” he said.
Making their World Cup debut and facing a world champion in the knockout stage, Cape Verde becomes only the third team in history to do so. Previously, Norway played Italy in 1938 and Ghana faced Brazil in 2006 under such circumstances. This match also marks the first-ever direct international football encounter between Argentina and Cape Verde. The victor of this match will advance to the quarterfinals to compete against the winner of the Australia vs. Egypt match.
