LIVE UPDATES: Argentina vs Cape Verde World Cup 2026 – Follow all the action, goals and celebrations

Argentina have won each of their previous seven World Cup matches against African opposition, but Cape Verde will hope to produce another memorable chapter in African football history.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Argentina and Cape Verde.

First-ever meeting between both nations

Cape Verde are currently the lowest-ranked side remaining in the tournament, but their disciplined defensive display against Spain earlier in the competition has given the African side belief that another upset may be possible.

They are also the first debut nation to reach the knockout stages since Slovakia in 2010 and the first African country to achieve the feat since Ghana in 2006.

Although they drew all three group matches, Cape Verde still made history by becoming the first nation since Chile in 1998 to advance from a World Cup group without winning a game.

The Blue Sharks stunned many observers by progressing unbeaten from a difficult group containing Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Cape Verde have been one of the biggest stories of the tournament so far.

Cape Verde emerging as Africa’s surprise package

However, history suggests Argentina may still face a difficult challenge despite their status as favourites. Seven of their last 13 World Cup knockout matches have gone to extra time, while no nation has played more extra-time matches in World Cup history than Argentina with 11.

La Albiceleste have conceded only twice during that run and became just the third reigning champions this century to successfully progress into the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Argentina have looked dominant in their defence of the World Cup crown. A 3-1 victory over Jordan completed a perfect group-stage campaign for Lionel Scaloni’s side, who won all three matches while extending their winning streak to ten games.

Argentina looking strong in title defence

The encounter brings together two unbeaten nations from the group stage, although Argentina arrive as overwhelming favourites while Cape Verde carry the hopes of African football supporters dreaming of another famous upset on the global stage.

Cape Verde continue their remarkable 2026 FIFA World Cup journey with a high-profile Round of 32 clash against defending champions Argentina in Florida.

Welcome to Africasoccer’s live blog of the World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash between Argentina and Cape Verde.