World Cup 2026: Confirmed Argentina vs Cape Verde lineups

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has reverted to his absolute strongest starting lineup for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde at Miami Stadium.

Having heavily rotated his squad during Argentina’s final group stage match to manage player fatigue, Scaloni has brought back his core world champions.

The South American giants are heavily favored to advance, but Scaloni’s selection clearly shows he is taking no chances against the tournament’s ultimate underdogs.

Captain Lionel Messi returns to spearhead the attack alongside Lautaro Martínez, while the premier midfield trident of Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández takes back the reins to dictate the game’s tempo.

Defensively, the formidable pairing of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez reunites in front of goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to ensure maximum stability against Cape Verde’s transitions.

Argentina Confirmed Starting XI (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada
Forwards: Lionel Messi (C), Lautaro Martínez

Argentina Substitutes: Julián Alvarez, Nicolás González, Giovani Lo Celso, Nicolás Otamendi, Leandro Paredes, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás Tagliafico, Valentin Barco, Nico Paz, Exequiel Palacios, Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Senesi, José Manuel López, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso.

Cape Verde Makes Five Changes for Historic Clash

Cape Verde head coach Bubista has shuffled his pack by making five tactical changes to the starting lineup that secured their historic qualification to the World Cup knockout rounds.

Operating out of a robust, defensive 4-1-4-1 system, the Blue Sharks aim to choke the central channels and force Argentina’s creative playmakers into wide, low-probability zones.

Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha keeps his place between the posts and will command a backline anchored by center-backs Pico Lopes and Diney Borges.

The defensive midfield duties fall completely on Kevin Pina, who faces the monumental task of tracking Messi’s movements between the lines.

Captain Ryan Mendes and the dynamic Jovane Cabral will occupy the wide midfield roles, looking to use their pace on counter-attacks to support lone striker Nuno da Costa.

Cape Verde Confirmed Starting XI (4-1-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Vozinha
Defenders: Steven Moreira, Pico Lopes, Diney Borges, Sidny Lopes Cabral
Defensive Midfielder: Kevin Pina
Midfielders: Ryan Mendes (C), Deroy Duarte, Laros Duarte, Jovane Cabral
Striker: Nuno da Costa

Cape Verde Substitutes: Garry Rodrigues, Logan Costa, Stopira, Telmo Arcanjo, Jamiro Monteiro, Gilson Benchimol, Dailon Livramento, Hélio Varela, Yannick Semedo, Willy Semedo, Wagner Pina, João Paulo Fernandes, Kelvin Pires, Márcio Rosa, CJ dos Santos.