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World Cup: Cape Verde eye historic upset against Argentina
03rd July, 2026 11:15 AM
Cape Verde have already surpassed expectations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by reaching the Round of 32 without losing a match. The tournament newcomers now face their biggest challenge yet, a knockout clash against defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in Miami on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Match outlook
On paper, the difference between the two nations is enormous. Argentina, three-time world champions and ranked second globally, boasts one of football’s greatest players in Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner who is pursuing his 20th career World Cup goal.
Cabo Verde, meanwhile, is competing at the World Cup for the first time. With a population of just over half a million and covering roughly 4,000 square kilometers, the island nation is the smallest country ever to reach the knockout rounds of the competition.
Currently sitting 64th in FIFA’s world rankings, Cabo Verde has impressed through organized defending, strong teamwork, and unwavering confidence.
Belief within the camp has been echoed across the nation. President Jose Maria Neves has confidently forecast a 1-0 victory, while head coach Bubista maintains that “nothing is impossible”. Midfielder Deroy Duarte called the opportunity to play Argentina “a dream” before adding, “Let’s believe.”
Biggest surprise beckoning?
If Cabo Verde is to produce one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, veteran goalkeeper Vozinha is expected to play a crucial role. The 40-year-old, whose full name is Josimar Dias, delivered an outstanding performance in the scoreless draw against Spain and has been central to his team’s defensive resilience throughout the competition.
His next mission will be to deny Messi, who has already found the net six times in this World Cup and has 19 goals overall in the tournament.
Defender Roberto “Pico” Lopes will also carry a significant responsibility. His mother, Judy, believes the occasion will only inspire her son as he prepares to face one of football’s all-time greats.
“I don’t think it’ll faze him at all,” she said. “I think he’ll relish the challenge and hopefully come out on top.”
Lopes’ path to this moment mirrors Cape Verde’s own remarkable rise. Although born in Dublin and eligible to represent Ireland, he chose to play for Cabo Verde because of his family heritage. He now stands on the verge of featuring in what many consider the nation’s most important football match ever.
His family has embraced the occasion with excitement. Judy admitted Friday’s encounter would be an emotional experience for relatives following the match from both Ireland and Cape Verde, but she dismissed suggestions that her son would be intimidated.
“It’s 11 against 11,” she said.
Argentina, despite being overwhelming favorites, has made it clear they are not taking their opponents lightly. Coach Lionel Scaloni has highlighted that Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were all unable to defeat Cabo Verde during the group stage, while defender Nicolas Otamendi has stressed that Argentina must approach the contest with maximum focus and intensity.
Most observers still expect the reigning champions to progress as they continue their quest for back-to-back World Cup titles with Messi leading the charge.
However, Cape Verde has already defied expectations throughout the tournament. With Vozinha, Lopes and their teammates refusing to be intimidated, they now have another opportunity to prove that remarkable stories can still be written on football’s biggest stage.
