Argentina vs Cape Verde – Prediction, Where to Watch, Kick-off Time and Lineups 03-07

• Defending champions Argentina come into the round of 32 with a flawless record, winning all three of their group stage matches convincingly.
• Cape Verde are the fairytale story of the tournament, making history by reaching the knockout phase unbeaten in their World Cup debut after three draws.
• This is the first-ever meeting between the two nations, setting up a classic David vs. Goliath clash in the knockout rounds of the World Cup.

• This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Argentina and Cape Verde.
• Argentina are on a formidable ten-match winning streak, scoring 29 goals and conceding only two in that period.
• Cape Verde are unbeaten in their last six matches, keeping four clean sheets in the process.
• The South American side have kept a clean sheet in two of their three World Cup matches so far.
• Cape Verde also kept two clean sheets during the group stage, including one against Spain.
• Lionel Messi is in lethal form, having scored six goals in just three appearances in the tournament.

Argentina, the reigning champions, navigated the World Cup 2026 group stage with a flawless record. They secured three victories, netting eight goals while conceding just one, firmly establishing themselves as leading contenders.

This impressive performance builds on a formidable nine-match winning streak across all competitions. Striker Lionel Messi has been in superb form, contributing six goals in his three appearances.

With only Balerdi being absent, the squad is able to play full strength, combined with this momentum and individual brilliance, which positions them as clear favourites for the upcoming match.

Cape Verde has made history in the World Cup 2026, reaching the knockout stage unbeaten in their debut. The Blue Sharks achieved draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, demonstrating strong defensive resolve and gaining confidence.

Their success stems from a solid defensive unit, conceding only two goals in three matches. Goalkeeper Vozinha has been a key player, making vital saves. The squad may be without Arcanjo in this match, as he is listed as questionable due to a muscle injury.

In this Argentina vs. Cape Verde match, the Blue Sharks’ organised and resilient approach could frustrate their opponents. They will rely on defensive strength and team unity to contain Argentina’s potent attack.

For those looking for where to watch Argentina vs. Cape Verde, there is currently no broadcast information available for this match.

• TV: BBC Sport (Gbr), ITV 1 (Gbr), ITV X (Gbr), STV (Gbr), STV Player (Gbr), UTV (Gbr)
• Streaming: BBC iPlayer (Gbr), BBC One (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr), BBC Sport app (Gbr)

As we enter the round of 32 in the World Cup 2026, both teams are expected to make strategic adjustments for this crucial knockout match. The predicted Argentina lineup will likely focus on finding the right balance to control the game from the outset. In response, the Cape Verde lineup will be carefully selected to counter their opponent’s strengths and exploit any potential openings. Understanding the probable starting XIs is key to evaluating the teams’ approaches to this important fixture.

Martínez E.; Martínez Li., Medina, Romero, Molina; Almada, Fernández, Mac Allister, de Paul; Martínez L., Messi.

Manager: Lionel Scaloni.

Vozinha; Pina, Lopes, Borges, João Paulo; Duarte, Monteiro, Lenini, Mendes, Lopes Cabral; Livramento.

Manager: Bubista.

Here are the match details:

• Match: Argentina vs. Cape Verde
• Competition: World Cup 2026
• Date: 03/07/2026
• Kick-off: 11 PM (BST)
• Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, United States
• Broadcast: BBC Sport (Gbr), STV Player (Gbr), BBC Sport app (Gbr), BBC One (Gbr), UTV (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr), BBC iPlayer (Gbr), ITV 1 (Gbr), ITV X (Gbr), STV (Gbr),

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