Cape Verde to Face Argentina in Miami World Cup Match on 3 July

Cape Verde will play Argentina in Miami at 23:00 BST on July 3 for a place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The match pits the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage against the defending champions. Cape Verde advanced from Group H after draws with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, finishing second behind the European champions.

The team conceded two goals across the group stage and remained unbeaten. Roberto 'Pico' Lopes, a 44-cap Cape Verde centre-back who plays for Shamrock Rovers, starts in defence. His mother, Judy Lopes, a school secretary in Dublin, said he will embrace the test.

"He'll relish the challenge of taking on Messi at the weekend and he's always very composed, confident and performs very well under pressure," she told BBC Sport NI. "He just takes it all in his stride. " She added that the family never expected the run: "Not at all.

Lionel Messi leads Argentina's attack after scoring six goals in the tournament. The fixture marks his 30th World Cup match. Argentina conceded one goal in the group stage. Judy Lopes said the squad views the tie as an opportunity.

"Anything is possible in football.