Argentina vs Cape Verde Prediction, Lineups, Betting Pick, Latest World Cup Round of 32 Odds - July 3rd
Argentina face surprise package Cape Verde in a highly anticipated World Cup round of 32 clash. Read our full preview with lineups, team news, and Argentina vs. Cape Verde prediction as Messi and co. are a massive favorite on Friday evening.
OC Staff - July 3, 2026, 2:30 PM EDT
3 Minute ReadArgentina vs Cape Verde Prediction: Can Messi, Argentina Cruise Past Live Underdog, Advance to Round of 16 on Friday Night?
The knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup are upon us as tournament heavyweights Argentina prepare to face surprise package Cape Verde in a highly anticipated round of 32 clash. Scheduled for Friday, July 3rd at 6 PM ET, this fixture pits one of football's ultimate superpowers against an emerging nation looking to pull off one of the greatest giant-killings in tournament history.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Recent Results
Argentina head into this fixture on the back of a convincing 3-1 victory away against Jordan in their final group match. The South American giants have been in imperious form over their last six matches, securing five victories—including comfortable friendly wins over Zambia, Honduras, and Iceland—and suffering just a single defeat against Austria. The hosts have shown formidable defensive strength, keeping a clean sheet in four of their last five matches across all competitions.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, secured their passage to the knockout rounds following a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia. The Blue Sharks have proved incredibly difficult to beat, drawing all three of their group games, including impressive stalemates against Spain and Uruguay. Their wider form shows they are unbeaten in their last six matches, having registered friendly victories over Bermuda and Serbia, alongside a penalty shootout triumph against Finland following a 1-1 draw.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Head to Head
This will be the very first competitive meeting between Argentina and Cape Verde. With no prior head-to-head history to draw upon, this round of 32 clash represents a clean slate for both nations on the global stage.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Odds
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Argentina vs Cape Verde Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Friday, July 3rd, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM ET
- Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- How to Watch: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
Argentina vs Cape Verde Betting Trends
Here are the latest betting trends for this Argentina vs Cape Verde match, as you try to find your favorite betting angle for the game. Powered by Oddschecker+ Trends Tool to bring you the best AI advantage for the World Cup.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Probable Lineups
Argentina (4-3-3): E. Martínez; Molina, C. Romero, L. Martínez, Medina; R. D. Paul, E. Fernández, A. M. Allister; Messi, L. Martínez, Almada
Cape Verde (4-1-4-1): Vozinha; S. Moreira, D. Borges, P. Lopes, S. Cabral; K. Pina; J. Cabral, J. Monteiro, D. Duarte, R. Mendes; D. Livramento
The midfield battle will be crucial in deciding where this game is won and lost. Argentina boast an elite pass accuracy of 90.55% and average 58.1% possession, meaning they will look to control the tempo through Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister. Cape Verde, who average just 36.72% possession, will rely on their defensive structure and aerial dominance, where they average an impressive 14.33 aerial duels won per game compared to Argentina's 5.67.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Team News
Argentina have a fully fit squad to choose from. After resting several key players in their final group game, Lionel Scaloni is expected to revert to his strongest lineup, with Emiliano Martínez the only player likely to retain his starting place from the Jordan match. Lautaro Martínez is set to lead the attack, flanked by Thiago Almada and Lionel Messi.
Cape Verde will be without Telmo Arcanjo, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. However, the visitors are boosted by the return of Sidney Cabral, who has served his yellow-card suspension. Steven Moreira and Jovane Cabral are also expected to return to the starting XI after being rested last time out.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Match Facts
Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Cape Verde
Argentina cruised through their group with nine points and just one goal conceded, sending a warning shot to their rivals heading into the knockout stages. With Lionel Messi already on six goals for the tournament, the South American giants will head into this clash as red-hot favourites. While Bubista's men have set up a classic David vs Goliath contest by going unbeaten, the sheer attacking quality of the hosts should prove too much. Expect the home side's clinical possession play to eventually break down a resilient but outmatched defence.
Best Bet: Argentina to Win to Nil (-175) Check out the best odds on bet365 Sportsbook
Given Argentina's defensive record of keeping clean sheets in four of their last five matches, combined with Cape Verde's low-possession style, backing the South American giants to win without conceding offers excellent value.
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