Argentina's Rival: The Surprising Cape Verde

The storm of excitement continues at full speed in the breathtaking Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Cape Verde, which has been writing a wonderful fairy tale since the beginning of the tournament and achieved the difficult by surprising the authorities, will share their trump cards with the absolute favorites and defending champions Argentina in Miami. Drawing attention with the stubborn and fearless football they displayed in the group stage, the island nation proved to the whole world how dangerous a team they are by drawing with world giants Spain and Uruguay. In particular, breaking through Uruguay's rigid defense and finding two magnificent goals against the South American team serves as the biggest warning for the Argentine technical staff.

Led by world star Lionel Messi, Los Tangos take the field at the magnificent Hard Rock Stadium, one of the most prominent sports complexes in the United States, for an absolute victory. While Argentine fans are expected to fill the stands to the brim, Cape Verde wants to repeat the brave football they displayed against Uruguay and Spain to achieve another historic victory. This critical tactical battle between the two teams will directly affect the fate of the cup.

This immense football feast, on which the whole world will set its eyes, will start on Friday, July 3rd at exactly 18:00 Miami local time. Before the giant ninety-minute struggle on the pitch, the squads that both teams will field are a matter of great curiosity. In this war that Argentina and Cape Verde will wage on the way to the quarter-finals, the managers are expected to field the following probable starting 11s:

Argentina: Martinez, Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina, MacAllister, Enzo Fernandez, De Paul, Almada, Messi, Lautaro Martinez. 

Cape Verde: Vozinha, Moreira, Lopes, Borges, Sidny, Mendes, Kevin Pina, Duarte, Monteiro, Cabral, Livramento.