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World Cup: Who will win between Argentina 🇦🇷 vs Cabo Verde 🇨🇻? Our Prediction

Mambo, football fans! The World Cup knockout stage is here, and we've got a proper mismatch on paper. Defending champions Argentina take on tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. But as we've seen throughout this tournament, nothing is guaranteed when the pressure is on.

The Favourites: Argentina's Perfect Group Stage

Argentina are currently ranked first in the FIFA World Rankings, and they've shown exactly why during this tournament. Lionel Scaloni's side swept Group J with three wins from three, scoring eight and conceding only once. The defending champions have been clinical.

Argentina have been in excellent form recently, winning 5 of their last 5 matches with a 100% win rate, scoring 13 goals and conceding 1 during this period. Argentina topped the group with three group game wins, dispatching Algeria, Austria, and Jordan with ease.

Lionel Messi has been on fire. In scoring both of Argentina's goals against Austria, Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 18 goals. At 39 years old, the legend continues to write new chapters in football history.

The Underdogs: Cabo Verde's Historic Run

Cheki this, Cabo Verde have already exceeded every expectation. Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach a senior World Cup knockout round, have done it the hard way, three draws, three points, and a place in the last 32 as Group H runners-up behind Spain.

Cape Verde qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2026, becoming the smallest country by land area and the second least populated (after Iceland) to qualify for the World Cup, with a land area of 4,033 square kilometres and a population of just under 525,000. Their achievement is nothing short of remarkable.

The Blue Sharks drew all three group matches: In their opening match, they drew 0, 0 against the reigning European champions Spain, and in their second match, they tied Uruguay 2, 2. Cape Verde are currently ranked 67 in the FIFA World Rankings, making them massive underdogs in this encounter.

Key Players and Tactical Battle

For Argentina, all eyes are on Messi, but they're far from a one-man team. Lionel Messi has been the standout performer for Argentina with a rating of 8.67, leading Argentina's scoring with 6 goals this season. The attacking depth is frightening.

Cabo Verde's secret weapon? Their goalkeeper. Vozinha has been Cabo Verde's star man at the 2026 World Cup, keeping a clean sheet in two of three matches, including a shutout against Spain in their first game. The 40-year-old has been sensational, and he admitted it is a "dream" to have the opportunity to play against Argentina.

Defensively, Cabo Verde have been solid, conceding an average of 0.6 goals per game. Their compact defensive structure has frustrated teams far more fancied than them.

What the Numbers Say

The market sentiment is clear. Traders are pricing Argentina at 87% to win, the draw at 11%, and Cape Verde at 4%. Those are overwhelming odds, but they reflect the gulf in quality and experience between these two sides.

Driven by the legendary Lionel Messi, the Albiceleste successfully navigated the group stage to firmly retain their tag as tournament favorites. Everything points to a comfortable Argentine victory.

Our Prediction: Can Cabo Verde Pull Off the Unthinkable?

Wazi, let's be real. Argentina should win this match. They're the defending champions, they're in peak form, and they have the greatest player of all time leading the line. While Argentina is heavily tipped to advance, Cape Verde's fearless underdog spirit means the reigning champions cannot afford any complacency.

But here's the thing about knockout football: one mistake, one moment of magic, one defensive lapse can change everything. Cabo Verde have already held Spain and Uruguay, two world-class teams. They know how to defend deep and frustrate opponents.

That said, Argentina's quality should tell. Expect the Albiceleste to control possession, create chances, and eventually break down Cabo Verde's resistance. Messi will be hunting more history, and this Argentina team looks determined to defend their crown.

Our prediction: Argentina to win. The defending champions have too much firepower, too much experience, and too much motivation. Cabo Verde will fight hard and make it difficult, but Argentina should advance to the Round of 16. Whether it's comfortable or nervy depends on how quickly they can find the breakthrough.

Twende! This David vs Goliath clash kicks off on July 3rd, and while upsets happen, smart money is on the champions marching on.

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