7M - World Cup 2026 Preview: Argentina vs Cape Verde - prediction, team news, lineups

Defending champions Argentina prepare to square off against tournament newcomers Cape Verde at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for a highly anticipated Friday round of 32 showdown.

La Albiceleste advanced through the group stage with a perfect record, standing as one of just three teams to do so. They now test their elite attack against the Blue Sharks, whose remarkable defensive resilience has already frustrated heavyweights and secured two clean sheets in three matches.

Match Preview

It has been seven years since Argentina last tasted defeat in a tournament knockout fixture, a 2-2 loss against rivals Brazil in the 2019 Copa America semi-finals. Since that setback, manager Lionel Scaloni has steered the national team to consecutive Copa America titles and their historic 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar. The reigning world champions show no intention of giving up their crown, storming through the group stage with three straight victories—a dominant run matched only by co-hosts Mexico and a powerful French side.

Even at 39 years old, talisman Lionel Messi continues to play at an extraordinary level. The Inter Miami icon has already found the net six times in North America, currently sharing the tournament's top-scorer spot with Kylian Mbappe. Backed by a 10-match winning streak across major tournaments, Messi and his teammates look poised to keep their relentless momentum alive.

Meanwhile, Cape Verde enters this match with the daunting task of breaking Argentina's spectacular winning streak. As one of four debutants at the 2026 finals alongside Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, the Blue Sharks are the only newcomers to successfully navigate their way into the knockout rounds.

Bubista's squad has broken new ground with a versatile approach to the game. They famously restricted Spain in their debut match, showed resilience to bounce back and secure a -2 draw against Uruguay, and held Saudi Arabia to a scoreless stalemate. Although they are the lowest-scoring side remaining in the knockout stage, their outstanding defensive organization makes them a dangerous wildcard in knockout football. The Tubaroes Azuis will need to remain perfectly compact out of possession to contain the world champions, an immense tactical challenge that Bubista is ready to embrace.

Team News

After being rested on the bench for the group-stage victory over Jordan, Lionel Messi and Alexis Mac Allister are expected to return to the starting lineup. Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is also set to start after a well-deserved rest. Messi has been the driving force behind the attack, netting six of Argentina's eight goals so far. While his contributions are vital, fellow forwards Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez will be eager to shoulder more of the scoring burden as the tournament reaches its business end. On the injury front, centre-back Cristian Romero is reportedly fit to play despite a minor knee scare against Austria, meaning he could feature ahead of Nicolas Otamendi.

Cape Verde's squad depth is returning to full strength following recent fitness concerns. While Telmo Arcanjo remains sidelined with a muscle issue, both Jamiro Monteiro and Kevin Lenini have recovered to feature. In attack, Dailon Rocha Livramento is still hunting for his first World Cup goal, looking to add to his international tally alongside seasoned forwards Ryan Mendes and Garry Rodrigues.

Possible Starting Lineups

Argentina possible starting lineup:

E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro M., Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Almada; Messi, Lautaro M.

Cape Verde possible starting lineup:

Vozinha; Moreira, Pico, Diney, S. Cabral; Lenini; Mendes, Duarte, Monteiro, J. Cabral; Livramento

Score Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Cape Verde

While Cape Verde's incredibly stubborn defense has what it takes to limit space and keep things tight early on, Argentina possesses too much creative quality in the final third. With Lionel Messi in spectacular goalscoring form and playing in familiar Miami territory, the South American giants should find the breakthroughs necessary to seal their place in the next round.