Hard Rock Stadium in Miami hosts a historic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 encounter as defending champions Argentina take on tournament newcomers Cape Verde.
Argentina advanced with a flawless Group J record, winning all three matches, while Cape Verde stunned the football world by progressing unbeaten from Group H and becoming the least-populated nation ever to qualify for the World Cup knockout rounds.
Read our Argentina vs Cape Verde prediction before staking your money.
Argentina vs Cape Verde prediction for the 2026 World Cup
It is do or die. That is exactly why the prediction below zeroes in on the strongest bet for this knockout World Cup tie.
Here is our pick:
Argentina Win
Who are the favourites?
Based on the leading UK-licensed bookmakers, Argentina is tipped to come out on top, with 81% of the odds leaning towards their win.
Looking for more? Browse all the World Cup odds and dig into this and other ties from the planet's biggest football tournament.
Argentina vs Cape Verde: head-to-head
Argentina and Cape Verde share no recent head-to-head record, so this is effectively their first meeting in years.
Argentina at the 2026 World Cup
Argentina arrive having already played 3 match(es) at the 2026 World Cup. Here is the record for Argentina National Team:
At the World Cup:
3 win(s), 0 draw(s) and 0 loss(es)
3 point(s) per game on average
8 goals scored at the World Cup (2.67 per game)
1 goals conceded at the World Cup (0.33 per game)
Argentina National Team in 2026
19 win(s), 2 draw(s) and 4 loss(es) in all competitions
Leading scorer: Lionel Messi with 8 goal(s)
Most assists: Enzo Fernández with 3
Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup
Cape Verde go into this tie with 3 match(es) already behind them at the 2026 World Cup.
Here is what Cape Verde National Team have managed so far:
At the World Cup
0 win(s), 3 draw(s) and 0 loss(es)
1 point(s) per game on average
2 goals scored at the World Cup (0.67 per game)
2 goals conceded at the World Cup (0.67 per game)
Cape Verde National Team in 2026
9 win(s), 6 draw(s) and 2 loss(es) in all competitions
Leading scorer: Dailon Rocha Livramento do Rosario with 4 goal(s)
Most assists: Kevin Lenini with 2
Argentina vs Cape Verde statistics at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Before you stake anything, look over the side-by-side comparison that sheds light on each nation's current form for this World Cup tie:
Argentina
International - World Cup
| Form | Last 5 | PPG |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | W W W W W |
3 |
| Home | W W W W W |
3 |
| Away | W W W L W |
2.4 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Goals | 3 | 2.5 | 4 |
| Scored | 2.67 | 2.5 | 3 |
| Conceded | 0.33 | 0 | 1 |
| Both Teams to Score | 33% | 0% | 100% |
| Without Conceding | 67% | 100% | 0% |
| Failed To Score | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| 1st to Score | 100% | 100% | 100% |
|
xG
|
1.32 | 1.29 | 1.38 |
|
xGA
|
0.74 | 0.84 | 0.56 |
Cape Verde
International - World Cup
| Form | Last 5 | PPG |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | D D D W W |
1.8 |
| Home | D W W D D |
1.8 |
| Away | D D L D D |
0.8 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Goals | 1.33 | 0 | 2 |
| Scored | 0.67 | 0 | 1 |
| Conceded | 0.67 | 0 | 1 |
| Both Teams to Score | 33% | 0% | 50% |
| Without Conceding | 67% | 100% | 50% |
| Failed To Score | 67% | 100% | 50% |
| 1st to Score | 100% | 0% | 50% |
|
xG
|
1.05 | 1.45 | 0.84 |
|
xGA
|
1.98 | 0.96 | 2.5 |
Argentina vs Cape Verde probable lineups
See the likely starting elevens below for our Argentina vs Cape Verde prediction at the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina Projected XI: Emiliano Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez
Cape Verde Projected XI: Vozinha, Steven Moreira, Logan Costa, Roberto Lopes, João Paulo, Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Patrick Andrade, Ryan Mendes, Bebé, Helio Varela
The confirmed lineups will be available close to the kickoff time.
How to watch Argentina vs Cape Verde live in the UK
Find out below where you can catch Argentina vs Cape Verde live during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Just remember, kick-off is at 23:00 UK time.
For the full schedule, check our our World Cup live streaming page.
More betting tips for this match
Alongside the main tip given at the top of this article, here are some other strong bets for Argentina vs Cape Verde:
Further 2026 World Cup predictions
Browse all of our 2026 FIFA World Cup predictions and keep up with the sharpest analysis from start to finish of the tournament.
Match details: Argentina vs Cape Verde
🆚 Fixture Argentina vs Cape Verde
🏆 Tournament: 2026 FIFA World Cup
📅 Date: Friday, 03/07/2026
🕐 Kick-off 23:00 UK time
🏟️ Venue: Hard Rock Stadium
Bet responsibly
Betting should stay a bit of fun. Set yourself limits, keep control, and never wager more than you can comfortably afford to lose.
If betting stops being enjoyable or starts to feel like a problem, reach out to GambleAware or GamCare for support.
Sports betting analyst with over ten years of experience in football analysis, match statistics and betting markets.