Cape Verde had just seven shots on target in the group phase, and they lack the experience and overall quality to compete with the reigning world champions. I am backing Argentina to win to nil.
Key Stats
- Argentina have won their last 10 matches.
- Argentina have won to nil in 4 of their last 5 matches.
- Leo Messi has scored 7 goals in his last 4 matches for Argentina.
- Cape Verde have failed to score in 2 of their last 3 matches.
No Previous Meetings
This is going to be the first head to head match between Argentina and Cape Verde.
Argentina Topped Group J With Nine Points
Argentina enter the playoff stage with high confidence after winning all three games so far. They were heavily carried by Leo Messi in the opener against Algeria, scoring three goals to secure a 3-0 victory.
Messi added two more goals to his name in the second round against Austria as the reigning champions claimed a 2-0 win and became all-time leading scorer in the WC history, surpassing Miroslav Klose.
Argentina wrapped up the group phase with a 3-1 win over Jordan, gaining an early 2-0 lead here with Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez getting on scoresheet. Leo Messi replaced Martinez in the 60th minute and scored a free kick 20 minutes later.
Cape Verde are Still Unbeaten
Cape Verde are enjoying a dream run at their first-ever World Cup, advancing as runners-up in Group H ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, finishing only behind Spain.
They held heavily favored La Roja to a goalless draw in the opening match, with goalkeeper Vozinha producing a superb display and making seven saves. That was followed by a 2-2 draw against Uruguay despite generating just 0.88 xG compared to Uruguay’s 2.31 and having only 35% possession.
Cape Verde missed a couple of huge opportunities in the final group-stage match against Saudi Arabia, which ended goalless, but the result was enough to secure second place.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Argentina (4-3-3) Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez
Cristian Romero returned to full training following a minor knee injury. Julian Alvarez is expected to start here to put additional pressure on Cape Verde's back line. Leo Messi is the leading WC 2026 scorer at the moment with six goals.
Cristian Romero returned to full training following a minor knee injury. Julian Alvarez is expected to start here to put additional pressure on Cape Verde's back line. Leo Messi is the leading WC 2026 scorer at the moment with six goals.
Cape Verde (4-4-2): Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Roberto Lopes, Logan Costa, Stopira; Garry Rodrigues, Jamiro Monteiro, Joao Paulo, Jovane Cabral; Ryan Mendes, Dailon Livramento
Cape Verde have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of this match. Goalkeeper Vozinha has been their standout performer so far, saving them on multiple occasions.
Cape Verde have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of this match. Goalkeeper Vozinha has been their standout performer so far, saving them on multiple occasions.