This Friday evening at World Cup 2026 finishes with a real David vs Goliath contest, as Argentina take on Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
Reigning champions Argentina, one of football’s genuine heavyweights, boast a population of around 46 million, while the tiny island of Cape Verde is home to around 530,000 people.
But those numbers count for nothing ahead of kick-off at the Miami Stadium, with Cape Verde already punching well above their weight at World Cup 2026.
Can the first-time participants shock the footballing sphere once again? Or will the three-time winners and their talisman Lionel Messi be too strong for the African side?
Those questions will be answered on Friday evening, but first up is our full match preview, with betting tips and some of the best World Cup odds available on the NetBet Sport platform.
And if your bet on this match – or indeed any other at World Cup 2026 – is coming in with time left to play, remember that our Cash Out feature allows you to collect potential winnings before the full-time whistle.
Where can I watch Argentina vs Cape Verde in the UK?
Argentina vs Cape Verde will be broadcast live on ITV1, with kick-off scheduled for 11pm UK time.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Preview
Recent results
Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in their group-stage opener courtesy of a Messi hat-trick, before claiming a 2-0 victory over Austria – with Messi scoring both of those goals as well! The little magician was rested for the match against Jordan, but still netted a stunning free-kick off the bench to help seal a 3-1 victory. La Albiceleste have now won 10 consecutive games, keeping clean sheets in eight of them!
Cape Verde held European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in their group-stage opener, a result which sent shockwaves through the football world – and turned certain members of the squad into celebrities overnight. Bubista’s men then held Uruguay to a 2-2 draw, even coming from 2-1 down in the second half, before a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia secured the runner-up spot in Group H. Cape Verde are unbeaten in 15 matches, and have kept clean sheets in six of the last eight – extraordinary stuff really.
Head-to-head record
This is the first meeting between Argentina and Cape Verde in any competition.
Team news
Scaloni has a fully fit Argentina squad to pick from, with all the big hitters set to join Messi in returning to the starting XI for this crucial fixture. Perhaps the biggest decision for the manager is whether to deploy Lautarto Martinez or Julian Alvarez in support of his captain.
Telmo Arcanjo is the sole injury absentee for Cape Verde, and it will be interesting to see what formation and tactics Bubista utilises in order to try and match the world champions.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Argentina are massive favourites to win this Round of 32 tie at a low price of 1.15. An unlikely victory for Cape Verde is at long odds of 17.00, while the draw after 90 minutes is 6.90.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Betting Tips
Argentina first goalscorer – Lionel Messi @ 2.38
Messi is priced at just 1.52 in the Anytime Goalscorer market, so this is a route to higher profit. The little magician has scored Argentina’s first goal in five of his last six World Cup starts, including the group games vs Algeria and Austria at this tournament.
Lionel Messi to have over 2.5 shots on target @ 2.42
Messi in the World Cup shots on target markets has been a bit of a gold mine thus far. He has already registred nine SOT at an average of three per game. Let’s hope that trend continues!
Player to score from outside the box – Lionel Messi @ 5.10
Messi’s marvellous free-kick vs Jordan was his sixth World Cup goal from outside the box, claiming the record outright from Brazilian icon Rivelino (5). With Cape Verde set to deploy a formidable deep block – the kind we saw thwart the Spanish – Messi’s magic from range may be required once again, whether from a set-piece or in open play.
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