Argentina
World CupWhy this tip?
Cabo Verde have shown they can compete against much higher ranked opposition, but Argentina’s superior quality, attacking depth and experience should eventually prove decisive. I expect Capo Verde to make life difficult early on, but Argentina’s class should shine through. I am predicting a 2-0 win for the defending champions.
Match Preview
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Matchday: Round of 32
Date: 03 July 2026
Kick-off time: 00:00(SA Time)
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Match Details
Defending champions Argentina take on World Cup debutants Capo Verde in this Round of 32 clash. La Albiceleste have been flawless in the tournament, winning their opening three matches with Messi leading the way with six goals. They are looking to join Brazil as the only nation to win the title five times but standing in their way is the tiny island country of Capo Verde. The islanders will again rely on their brilliant defence as they seek to keep Argentina at bay at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens in Florida. South African viewers can catch the action from midnight (00:00) (SA time) on Friday, 3 July.
Why This Match Matters
In a World Cup knockout match, anything can happen but the thought of Capo Verde upsetting Argentina is almost too great to imagine. The champions have an array of stars in their team while the African side have very few stars but whose players make the team greater than 11 individuals. Argentina have all the pressure on them as they are expected to easily scroll past their opponents while any result in this match for Capo Verde will still mean the world to their country. If Argentina thinks they will just turn up and win, they are mistaken as the Islanders have a rock like defence. Any result is possible especially if the African side can prevent the champions from scoring in the first 60 minutes.
Argentina v Cabo Verde Head-to-Head Stats
Previous Meetings
This is the first ever meeting between the sides and it is also Cabo Verde’s first ever World Cup.
Argentina’s Recent Form
Argentina’s last five matches: WWWWW
Recent results include:
28/06/2026 (World Cup): Argentina 1-3 Jordan
22/06/2026 (World Cup): Argentina 2-0 Austria
17/06/2026 (World Cup): Argentina 3-0 Algeria
10/06/2026 (Friendly): Argentina 3-0 Iceland
07/06/2026 (Friendly): Argentina 2-0 Honduras
Recent form:
Argentina were pre-tournament favourites and have lived up to that as they won all three of their group games. They opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Jordan with Messi getting a hattrick, then followed that with a disciplined 2-0 victory against Austria and a dominant 3-0 win over Algeria. Their build up to the tournament included a 3-0 win over Iceland and a 2-0 win over Honduras. In their last five matches, they have scored 13 goals and conceded just one.
Cabo Verde’s Recent Form
Cabo Verde’s last five matches: WWDDD
Recent results include:
27/06/2026 (World Cup):Cabo Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia
22/06/2026 (World Cup): Uruguay 2-2 Cabo Verde
15/06/2026 (World Cup): Spain 0-0 Cabo Verde
06/06/2026 (Friendly): Cabo Verde 3-0 Bermuda
31/05/2026 (Friendly): CaboVerde 3-0 Serbia
Recent form:
Cabo Verde have been one of the surprise packages of the World Cup as they managed to progress to the round of 32 without recording a victory. They have drawn all three games but still finished second in their group. In their opening match, they surprised former champions Spain with a defensive masterclass as they held them to a goalless draw and then followed that up with further draws against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
Team News
Argentina Team News
Argentina has no major injury concerns heading into this Round of 32 clash. Lionel Scaloni has managed his squad well throughout the group stage, rotating key players while keeping his strongest lineup fresh.
Injuries: There are no injury updates.
Suspensions: No suspensions.
Key players to watch: Argentina will once again look to Lionel Messi to inspire their attack and add to his impressive tally of six goals. Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez both have to be at their clinical best if they are to break down the resolute Capo Verde defence. The midfield combination of Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul will look to control possession and provide the link to the attacking trio up front. Emiliano Martínez provides the confidence and reliability between the posts although he is expected to have a quiet match.
Cabo Verde Team News
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha who has been the mainstay of the side will be hoping to repeat his heroics from the match against Spain.
Injuries: There are no injury concerns for Cabo Verde.
Suspensions: No suspensions
Key players to watch: Capo Verde will rely on Jovane Cabral and Dailon Livramento for their attacking impetus although their best chances are likely to be on the counter attack. Deroy Duarte will have the difficult task of trying to win the midfield battle. Logan Costa and Roberto Lopes form a disciplined central defensive partnership and will need to be at their very best to keep the defending champions attacking trio of Messi, Alvarez and Martinez at bay. Captain Vozinha can expect a bombardment of attacks on his goal.
Predicted Lineups
Argentina Predicted XI
Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez
Cabo Verde Predicted XI
Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Roberto Lopes, Logan Costa, Wagner Pina; Gerson Rodrigues, João Monteiro, Deroy Duarte, Jovane Cabral, Telmo Arcanjo; Dailon Livramento
Best Betting Markets for Argentina v Cabo Verde
Match Winner
Prediction: Argentina to win @ (1.18) at Hollywoodbets
Over/Under Goals
Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals @(2.18) at WSB
Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Both Teams to Score- No @ (1.44) at Betway
Anytime Goalscorer
Prediction: Messi to score anytime @ (1.50) at Easybet
Argentina v Cabo Verde Prediction
Best Bet
Prediction: Argentina to win and under 2.5 goals @(3.00) at Hollywoodbets
Correct Score Prediction
Prediction: Argentina 2 – 0 Cabo Verde @ (5.75) at Easybet
With the action of the World Cup group stage heating up, there are still loads of other football matches taking place. Topbets’ Daily Football Predictions has got you covered with all the latest tips and predictions for the footie action taking place every day.
Match analysis and verdict
Argentina have not been tested so far thanks to the brilliance of Messi therefore they are likely to continue looking to control possession through Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul which has given Messi the freedom to rove. The runs made by Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez have often left the number 10 plenty of opportunities to score therefore the Capo Verde defence needs to be wary of this. The Islanders have proven to be one of the toughest defensive teams and will look to frustrate Argentina with a compact shape before countering through Jovane Cabral and Dailon Livramento.
Cabo Verde have shown they can compete against much higher ranked opposition, but Argentina’s superior quality, attacking depth and experience should eventually prove decisive. I expect Capo Verde to make life difficult early on, but Argentina’s class should shine through. I am predicting a 2-0 win for the defending champions.
Prediction: Argentina 2 – 0 Cabo Verde
Writer / Betting tipster
I am what you call a sporting all-rounder with my favourite sports being rugby, football and cricket. I have been actively writing rugby and football articles for the last decade. These include previews, reviews and interesting topical pieces. I am a huge fan of Liverpool and a passionate supporter of the Springboks. My interests in recent years have also included iGaming as this is one of the fastest growing betting markets. Follow me for the best rugby odds in South Africa as I continue to find you the best bookie to place your bets.
