David vs Goliath as Cape Verde face Messi’s Argentina at World Cup
A classic David-versus-Goliath showdown will take centre stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday as tournament debutants Cape Verde face defending champions Argentina in a Round of 32 clash with a place in the last 16 at stake.
Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage, will take on Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Miami hoping to produce one of the greatest upsets in the tournament’s history.
The Atlantic island nation has emerged as one of the surprise packages of the expanded 48-team competition, defying expectations by holding Spain to a draw before progressing from Group H ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
Argentina, meanwhile, cruised into the knockout rounds with six goals from captain Messi and will be overwhelming favourites to continue their quest for back-to-back World Cup titles.
Despite the daunting challenge, Cape Verde insist they are not intimidated by the prospect of facing the reigning world champions and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“We are calm because we earned our place here on merit and there is nothing to fear or worry too much about,” Cape Verde coach Bubista said.
“We know the importance of the match ahead. It is the match of our lives, but we are going to enjoy it and give our best. There is no other thought in our minds than trying to advance to the next round.”
Midfielder Deroy Duarte also expressed confidence, saying the underdogs were determined to seize another opportunity to make history.
“Everything is an honour and a reward, and we see Argentina as just another opportunity to make history,” Duarte said.
“So why not? We will give everything, and at the end of the game we will see what happens.”
‘They aren’t here by accident’
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who will take charge of his 100th match as national team manager, warned against underestimating Cape Verde, pointing to their unbeaten run in the group stage.
“This is a team that hasn’t lost,” Scaloni said.
“They aren’t here by accident. We have to respect them, and that is exactly what we will do.”
The winners of the encounter will face either Australia or Egypt in the Round of 16 after the two sides meet later on Friday in Dallas.
Australia coach Tony Popovic has challenged the Socceroos to make history by securing the country’s first-ever World Cup knockout victory.
“It will be a special match and we want to showcase Australian football on the world stage,” Popovic said.
“If we perform well, we have a chance to make history.”
Egypt, however, face uncertainty over the fitness of star forward Mohamed Salah, who is battling a hamstring injury.
Head coach Hossam Hassan said the former Liverpool winger would only feature if he is fully fit.
“I will only play him if I am 100 per cent sure he is fit and ready to go,” Hassan said.
Elsewhere, Ghana will attempt to halt the early exit of African teams when they take on Colombia in Kansas City.
Five of the nine African representatives that reached the Round of 32—South Africa, Ivory Coast, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria—have already been eliminated. Morocco remain the only African nation to have secured a place in the last 16.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said his side is determined to keep African hopes alive.
“We have to make it better,” Queiroz said.
“It is on our shoulders to ensure another African team reaches the next round. That is our duty.”
On Thursday, Algeria exited the tournament after a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland, while Portugal and Spain advanced to the Round of 16.
Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in a thrilling contest in Toronto, while Spain cruised to a 3-0 victory over Austria to extend their unbeaten run to 35 matches.