FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Argentina v Cabo Verde 🇦🇷🇨🇻 | OneFootball

Holders Argentina continue the defence of their crown at the FIFA World Cup 26™ as they take on debutants Cabo Verde in Round of 32 action.

This is everything you need to know about the intriguing showdown at Miami Stadium.

Who is playing today? 👀

It is a true meeting of opposites in Florida on Friday as three-time (and defending) champions Argentina face off against a side who have overcome all of the odds to reach this stage of the competition.

The reigning champions sailed through as group winners, winning each of their games and conceding just once along the way, defeating Austria, Algeria and Jordan all in reasonably comfortable fashion.

Things were a little more difficult for Cabo Verde, albeit from a very tough group on paper.

They claimed three draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to not only reach the knockout stage but did so in the runner-up position.

Players to watch 🔥

Argentina's main man is of course the player currently leading the way for the Golden Boot, Lionel Messi who registered game-high Attacking Scores of 8.60 and 9.10 in their opening two games in the FIFA Power Rankings - powered by Aramco.

It isn't all about the attacking outlet for Argentina though. Exequiel Palacios had the highest Defensive Score against Jordan with 7.10 (Nicolás Otamendi was just behind with 6.70).

Cristian Romero is also set to return to the starting side after sustaining a knock against Austria - he had a game-topping Defensive Score of 7.84 in their opener against Algeria and the exact same score next time out too.

For Cabo Verde, it will likely be another backs-to-the-wall job. João Paulo had a Defensive Score of 8.00 for his performance in the clean sheet against Saudi Arabia.

The heroes of the scoreless draw against Spain were Sidny Lopes Cabral (who had a game-topping Defensive Score of 7.80), Willy Semedo (7.60) as well as Roberto Lopes and goalkeeper Vozinha and will be vital to another big rearguard action. 

Must-watch video 🎥

What a moment for Cabo Verde after qualification for the knockouts was secured in their first ever World Cup™.

Fun facts 📊

Our prediction 🔮