World Cup: Holders Argentina face debutants Cape Verde in Round of 32 clash

Argentina face Cape Verde in the penultimate Round of 32 fixture at the 2026 World Cup.

Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images

Holders Argentina clash with debutants Cape Verde with a Round of 16 spot at stake. Lionel Scaloni's side won all their group stage games, while Cape Verde recorded three draws.

After a rotated side against fellow debutants Jordan, the three-time winners restored the first team for the first knockout stage test. As a result, Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios is back on the bench after his solid performance as a fullback.

It will certainly be one of the greatest upsets in the history of the competition if the Blue Sharks record their first-ever win against Lionel Messi and co. 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha will most likely have a busy night as he'll dream to repeat the performance that shut down Spain in the opening matchday.

Confirmed Argentina vs. Cape Verde Lineups

Argentina XI: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Almada; Messi ©, Lautaro Martinez

Cape Verde XI: Vozinha; Lopes Cabral, Borges, Lopes, Moreira; Lenini; J. Cabral, D. Duarte, L. Duarte, Mendes ©; Da Costa