In the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, defending champions Argentina will face the tournament's biggest surprise, debutants Cape Verde. Argentina cruised through the group stage flawlessly, winning all three matches by an aggregate score of 8-1, with Lionel Messi already scoring six goals in the tournament. Cape Verde, meanwhile, made history by reaching the knockout stages of their first World Cup. The "Sharks" went unbeaten in a group that included Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, but scored only two goals against Uruguay and were goalless in both matches.
The key intrigue will be the clash between Argentina's attacking prowess and Cape Verde's disciplined defense. The Africans demonstrated exemplary defensive organization, and their 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was one of the tournament's revelations, making seven saves against Spain. However, over 2.5 goals have been on the table in five of Argentina's last seven matches, and the team has scored at least two goals in nine consecutive matches. Considering that Cape Verde is unlikely to contain Messi and company for the full 90 minutes, and their own attack is extremely ineffective, a convincing victory by over 2.5 goals seems the most likely scenario.
Given Argentina's overwhelming superiority in class and the fact that Cape Verde will focus on defense, the match could unfold similarly to the match against Spain, with the difference being that the Argentines will find the key to the opponent's goal. The visitors' poor finishing and inability to score in two of their three group matches make goals from both teams unlikely, but the individual skill of Messi and his teammates should ensure at least three goals in this match.
