Argentina vs Cape Verde prediction, tips and odds | World Cup 2026

Argentina carry a 10-game winning streak into this Round of 32 clash with debutants Cape Verde, arriving at the knockout stage of World Cup 2026 as the reigning champions and the highest-ranked side according to FIFA.

Cape Verde, who have gone unbeaten across their last five matches and famously held European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw during the group stage, face their biggest test yet against the world number ones.

Argentina vs Cape Verde form and preview

Lionel Scaloni's Argentina are known for their attacking prowess, but they have won all five of their most recent fixtures while conceding just once across the entire run.

Captain Lionel Messi, now boasting 202 international caps and 123 goals for his country, leads a forward line that has shown no sign of losing its edge during what may be the 39-year-old's final World Cup.

Lautaro Martinez has developed into one of the most prolific strikers in international football, scoring 38 goals in 80 appearances for Argentina, and any defensive line facing him must account for movement and finishing ability of the highest order.

The central midfield pairing of Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez has given Argentina a reliable foundation from which the attack can be launched, combining defensive cover with the technical quality to move the ball quickly and create space in transition.

Rodrigo De Paul brings aggression and experience from the right of midfield approaching his 90th cap, while Thiago Almada provides a more dynamic option on the left, giving La Albiceleste width and creativity across the middle third.

The team's defensive record backs up what the eye test suggests: eight clean sheets in 10 games – with just two goals conceded throughout – point to a team that remains solid even when their shape is challenged.

Argentina navigated their group phase without any major fitness scares affecting their strongest combinations, and the squad depth available to Scaloni will allow him to adapt tactically if required without weakening the starting XI materially.

Cape Verde have captured the hearts of neutrals at World Cup 2026, and while they are significant underdogs in this clash, the Blue Sharks have gone unbeaten in their last five matches, collecting two wins and three draws while recording four clean sheets across that period.

Manager Bubista has built a side that is difficult to break down, evidenced by goalless stalemates against Spain and Saudi Arabia, though their inability to score in either of those fixtures reflects the limitations that will be exposed against a team of Argentina's calibre.

Captain Ryan Mendes, 36 years old with 101 international caps and 22 goals, remains the most decorated outfield player in the squad and a figurehead around whom Cape Verde's attacking play is organised.

Dailon Livramento leads the current forward line with seven goals in 24 international appearances, and the 25-year-old from Casa Pia carries the burden of Cape Verde's goalscoring ambitions in this fixture.

Their 3-0 warm-up victories over Serbia and Bermuda demonstrated that Cape Verde can score freely when allowed space to build, and their 2-2 draw against Uruguay in the group stage highlighted the team's resilience and ability to hurt higher-ranked opposition.

Team news: Argentina vs Cape Verde

Argentina

Cristian Romero has returned to training following a knee injury and is expected to start, though the Tottenham Hotspur centre-back remains listed as a doubt.

Lisandro Martinez is set to partner Romero at the heart of La Albiceleste's defence, with the Manchester United star one of the most consistent performers in this Argentina squad throughout the competition.

Should Romero fail a late fitness test, Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Senesi are available as cover, though Scaloni will be hopeful of fielding his preferred defensive unit for the knockout opener.

Emiliano Martinez is expected to start in goal, with Nahuel Molina and Facundo Medina occupying the right and left fullback positions respectively in what should be a close to full-strength side.

Cape Verde

Telmo Arcanjo is listed as doubtful after missing training on Wednesday with a leg injury, and his involvement against Argentina is uncertain.

The Vitoria de Guimaraes midfielder has made 18 international appearances and his potential absence could affect Cape Verde's options in wide areas.

Goalkeeper Vozinha, a 40-year-old veteran who has made 93 appearances for his country, is expected to start and will play a crucial role in any effort Cape Verde make to frustrate the Argentina attack.

Kevin Pina is likely to anchor the midfield, tasked with disrupting the world champions' passing lanes and preventing Messi and Lautaro Martinez from receiving the ball in dangerous positions with time to turn.

Argentina vs Cape Verde: Predicted XIs

Argentina (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez; Facundo Medina, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina; Thiago Almada, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez

Cape Verde (4-1-4-1): Vozinha; Sidny Lopes Cabral, Diney, Pico, Steven Moreira; Kevin Pina; Willy Semedo, Deroy Duarte, Jamiro Monteiro, Ryan Mendes; Dailon Livramento

Head-to-head: Argentina vs Cape Verde

Argentina and Cape Verde have no previous meetings on record, making this Round of 32 tie the first time the two nations have faced each other.

For Cape Verde, navigating even this far into a World Cup represents an achievement for a country with a population of under 600,000 and a football infrastructure that operates on a fraction of the resources available to their opponents at this stage.

Argentina's history in knockout rounds needs little elaboration; they are the defending champions and have the squad, experience and tactical intelligence to progress deep into the tournament.

Without past meetings to draw upon, the contrast in FIFA ranking, squad quality and recent form provides the clearest indication of what is likely to unfold over 90 minutes – Argentina are overwhelming favourites.

Our Argentina vs Cape Verde prediction and tips

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