Cabo Verde will face Argentina in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday in Miami, setting up a challenging encounter between a rising African side and the defending champions.

Argentina secured their place in the knockout stage with an undefeated group performance, winning all three matches to top Group I. The team's success continues to be driven by Lionel Messi, who has scored six goals in the group phase. At 39 years old, Messi has extended his World Cup scoring record to 19 goals and is on a streak of scoring in seven consecutive World Cup matches. Despite moving from European club football to Major League Soccer after last year’s World Cup victory in Qatar, Messi remains a central figure for Argentina. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has consistently built the squad around the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, whose influence has been decisive both on and off the field.

Cabo Verde, making their World Cup debut, advanced from the group stage with three draws, including a notable goalless result against Spain. Their perseverance and resilience have earned them widespread admiration, and their midfield anchor Deroy Duarte emphasized the team’s perspective ahead of their match against Argentina. “Our first objective was to go to the World Cup, our second was to pass the group stage, and this is what we did,” Duarte said. “Everything is an honour and a reward, and we see Argentina as a game like this—another chance to make history. So why not? We will give everything and then at the end of the game we will see.”

The match will be held at Miami Stadium, which is expected to be largely supportive of Argentina, reflecting the South American nation’s strong fan base in the area. Despite the anticipated hostile atmosphere for Cabo Verde, the team appears determined to continue their historic run in the tournament, seeking to capitalize on the opportunity to compete against one of the world’s most decorated football teams.

The clash represents a classic David versus Goliath scenario, testing Cabo Verde’s capacity to challenge a team led by one of football’s greatest players, while offering Argentina the chance to reaffirm their status as reigning world champions.