Argentina to Face Cape Verde in World Cup Round of 32

Argentina will play Cape Verde in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Cape Verde reached the knockout stage after three draws in the group phase. The team tied Uruguay 2-2, played a scoreless draw with Saudi Arabia and finished with a 0-0 result against Spain.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said the team had prepared for the matchup. "It’s a team that hasn’t lost, even in some games it – I think against (Saudi) Arabia they deserved to win, against Spain and Uruguay they suffered a bit more but they defended well.

They stop interior passes well and then counter strongly," Scaloni said. Scaloni added that the side had scouted Cape Verde earlier and viewed the qualification as earned rather than surprising.

Paul said he had expected a different opponent. "It’s true that when the draw came out, in the group we were set up to face there were two champions of the world," De Paul said. De Paul noted that the tournament can produce unexpected results and described Cape Verde’s group-stage performance as strong.

Verde manager Bubista said his side believes it can compete. "Of course we believe. We are working hard, we believe in ourselves, in our strength, in the work we are doing," Bubista said. Cape Verde has never won a World Cup match. The winner of the match will face the winner of Egypt versus Australia in the round of 16.