Argentina escape Cape Verde upset to book round of 16 spot
Argentina were pushed to their limits before eventually overcoming tournament debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a captivating FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 encounter at Miami Stadium on Saturday.
The defending champions looked set for a comfortable evening when Lionel Messi opened the scoring in regulation time with his 20th FIFA World Cup goal. However, Cape Verde refused to back down, with Sidny Lopes Cabral drawing the sides level to force extra time.
Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead in the 103rd minute, but Cape Verde responded once again through Deroy Duarte to keep their hopes of a famous upset alive. With the match seemingly destined for a penalty shootout, an unfortunate own goal in the 111th minute proved to be the decisive moment, ending the island nation’s remarkable resistance.
Despite the defeat, Cape Verde earned widespread praise for an outstanding performance that stretched one of the tournament favourites to the brink.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16 in Atlanta on Tuesday, with a place in the quarterfinals on the line.
