Argentina vs Cape Verde – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Defending Champions Argentina begin their knockout journey against Cape Verde on Friday in their Round of 32 matchup at the Miami Stadium in Florida.

Argentina vs Cape Verde – Match preview and team news

Argentina team news

Argentina enters this high-stakes knockout match with a fully fit squad, handing manager Lionel Scaloni a massive boost.

Star forward Lionel Messi returns to the starting lineup completely refreshed after being used as a second-half substitute during the final group stage game against Jordan.

Messi currently leads the tournament golden boot race with six goals. Joining him back in the starting XI is midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who was also rested in the last match.

In defence, Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero has been cleared fit to play after recovering from a minor knee injury scare sustained against Austria.

Romero is expected to partner with Lisandro Martínez in central defence. Up front, Lautaro Martínez is tipped to get the nod to start alongside Messi, keeping Julián Álvarez on the bench as an impact substitute.

Scaloni will field his absolute strongest lineup as the world champions aim for a decisive victory.

Cape Verde team news

Cape Verde welcomes back crucial left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral, who is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension during the team’s final group fixture against Saudi Arabia.

However, head coach Bubista faces significant selection headaches in midfield due to a series of injuries.

Midfielder Telmo Arcanjo is officially ruled out of the clash after picking up a muscle injury. Additionally, key midfielders Jamiro Monteiro and Kevin Lenini are carrying minor fitness concerns and remain under assessment ahead of kickoff.

Despite these setbacks, the Blue Sharks will rely heavily on the heroics of their 40-year-old breakout goalkeeper, Vozinha.

Bubista is expected to set up his team in a highly defensive, compact 4-5-1 formation. This tactical low block is designed to frustrate the world champions, crowd the midfield, and hit Argentina on swift counter-attacks.

Form

Argentina

Argentina enters the knockouts in ruthless, flawless form, riding a ten-game winning streak across all competitions. The reigning world champions strictly dominated Group J, finishing with a perfect nine points. They opened their title defence with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, followed by a comfortable 2-0 victory over Austria. Scaloni’s side wrapped up the group stage with an efficient 3-1 dismantling of Jordan, solidifying their status as tournament favorites.

Cape Verde

Tournament debutants Cape Verde have scripted a genuine World Cup fairytale by remaining completely unbeaten. Built on exceptional defensive organization, the Blue Sharks finished as runners-up in Group H after drawing all three matches. They opened with a historic 0-0 stalemate against Spain, battled to a dramatic 2-2 draw with Uruguay, and sealed qualification with another disciplined 0-0 lockout against Saudi Arabia.

Predicted lineups

Argentina: E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro M., Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández, Almada; Messi, Lautaro M.

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

How to watch Argentina vs Cape Verde?

In the United Kingdom, you can watch the Argentina vs. Cape Verde World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match live on ITV1.

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