Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterArgentina versus Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup is not a scenario many foresaw.While most predicted the South Americans to top their group, few gave island nation Cape Verde a chance to progress beyond the initial stage of the tournament.Even fewer would have expected Cape Verde to go unbeaten against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the group stage, finishing second behind the Spanish.Argentina vs Cape Verde predictionsArgentina's World Cup defence has, somewhat predictably, been all about Lionel Messi thus far.The little magician from Rosario turned 39 last month but is showing no signs of slowing down on the world stage and should he score against Cape Verde, will become the first player in World Cup history to net 20 goals. You may like Who will Cape Verde face in the next round? Argentina vs Algeria prediction as the champions begin their World Cup defence Jordan vs Argentina prediction: Lionel Messi Golden Boot bid suffers blow It will come as no surprise that we're expecting Argentina to do the business in Miami and inflict a first World Cup defeat on Cape Verde.Messi and co are too strong for the plucky islanders, whose fighting spirit and diaspora recruitment is one of the enduring stories of this World Cup tournament.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Rested from the start in their final group game against Jordan, Messi will be fresher than usual, which is probably not what Cape Verde wanted to hear.That said, they will be relishing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play against one of, if not the greatest football players of all time, in a knockout match at the World Cup no less.Argentina's route to the semi-finals is one of the most straightforward among the elite sides at this tournament. Should they defeat Cape Verde, next up will be Australia or Egypt, followed by one of Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia or Ghana.Argentina vs Cape Verde score predictionCape Verde will put up an almighty fight but there is no avoiding the fact that Argentina are simply too strong for a team of their calibre.Even without Messi, La Albiceleste should get the job down - but they do have Messi, and he could probably do it on his own.Score prediction: Argentina 3-0 Cape VerdeTOPICSArgentinaCape Verde IslandsWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Joe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
