Argentina vs Cape Verde Prediction for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – m88worldcups.com – The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 will feature defending champions Argentina against tournament debutants Cape Verde.

This match is expected to be one of the most exciting fixtures, as Argentina enter as favorites, while Cape Verde have surprised many with their extremely solid defense throughout the group stage.

La Albiceleste became one of only three teams to win all of their group-stage matches, while the Blue Sharks impressed with a strong defensive record, keeping two clean sheets in three matches.

Team News Ahead of the Match

Argentina

It is remarkable to remember that Argentina's last defeat in the knockout stage of any tournament came seven years ago in Belo Horizonte, when they lost to their eternal rivals Brazil in the 2019 Copa America semifinals.

Since that 2-0 defeat, Lionel Scaloni has guided La Selección to two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2023, while also leading them to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar.

The reigning world champions have also shown no signs of slowing down in North America.

As one of the favorites before the tournament began, Argentina won every group-stage match, an achievement also accomplished by hosts Mexico and star-studded France.

Even at the age of 39, Lionel Messi continues to perform brilliantly. The Inter Miami forward has scored six goals, although he is currently level with Kylian Mbappe, who has played one more match.

Seven years after their defeat to Brazil in the 2019 Copa America semifinals, Messi and his teammates are now chasing their 10th consecutive victory across the Copa America and the FIFA World Cup.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde have the opportunity to end Argentina's current 10-match winning streak, including their unbeaten knockout-stage run. However, Bubista's side have no reason to feel intimidated.

As one of the four debutants at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals alongside Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, only the Blue Sharks managed to reach the first knockout round.

They have made history by displaying a variety of playing styles. Cape Verde successfully held Spain in their opening FIFA World Cup match thanks to an outstanding performance by Vozinha, then came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Uruguay after leading 1-0 before falling behind 2-1, and later secured another goalless draw against Saudi Arabia.

Despite being the lowest-scoring team among the 32 knockout-stage participants, the Blue Sharks' resilient defense provides a valuable foundation for facing any opponent in the knockout rounds.

They must continue to stay compact without the ball and limit the reigning world champions' space just as they did against Spain in their tournament debut. Bubista is ready to embrace that enormous challenge in pursuit of a historic victory over Argentina.

Argentina vs Cape Verde Predicted Lineups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Argentina (4-4-2)

Regarding Argentina's squad, after starting the match against Jordan on the bench, Lionel Messi and Alexis Mac Allister are expected to return to the starting lineup. Rodrigo De Paul, who was rested previously, is also likely to start from the opening minute.

Messi has scored six of Argentina's eight goals in North America, meaning he has contributed 75 percent of the defending champions' total goals in their title defense.

However, other players must also contribute if Lionel Scaloni's side are to achieve success once again.

Lautaro Martinez, who has scored 38 international goals, Julian Alvarez with 14 goals, and Enzo Fernandez are all expected to perform at their best during the decisive stages of the tournament.

Although Cristian Romero appeared to suffer a knee injury during the victory over Austria, the latest reports indicate that he is fine and is expected to return to the defense in place of Nicolas Otamendi.

Cape Verde (4-1-4-1)

Meanwhile, regarding Cape Verde's squad, the Blue Sharks received concerning news before their final group-stage match after Telmo Arcanjo, Jamiro Monteiro, and Kevin Lenini sustained injuries. However, only Arcanjo's muscle injury will force the midfielder to miss the match, while the other two players remain available.

Although Dailon Rocha Livramento scored four of Cape Verde's 16 goals during the qualification campaign, the striker has yet to find the net at the FIFA World Cup finals.

Even so, Livramento's tally of six international goals remains behind Ryan Mendes, who has scored 22 goals, and trails Garry Rodrigues, who has recorded 10 goals.

Argentina vs Cape Verde Prediction

Although the Blue Sharks have made life difficult for two of their three opponents so far, the South American giants possess one decisive figure: Messi; and one of the greatest players in the history of the sport is expected to make the difference in Miami.

Predicted Final Score: Argentina 2-0 Cape Verde