Cape Verde Aims to Shock World by Eliminating Argentina in 2026 World Cup Round of 32

The Round of 32 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup concludes with Cape Verde seeking to create the tournament's biggest upset by defeating reigning champions Argentina. The match, set for early Saturday morning in Miami, is critical as any result other than a decisive Argentine victory would be considered a surprise. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, has not lost a World Cup match since the opening game of the 2022 tournament.

Earlier on Friday evening, Australia faces Egypt in Arlington in a match between two teams whose presence in this stage is itself unexpected. Australia has participated in every World Cup since 2006 but has rarely stood out, while Egypt recorded its first-ever World Cup win in this tournament with a 3-1 victory over New Zealand and remains undefeated with draws against Belgium and Iran. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah continues to contribute significantly, while Australia’s standout player is 20-year-old Nestory Irankunda, the youngest scorer in Australian World Cup history.

Cape Verde has been the surprise story of the tournament, qualifying largely due to the expanded 48-team format. They have exceeded expectations by drawing against former champions Spain and Uruguay and holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw, finishing second in their group without a win but also without a loss. Their strong defense will be tested against Argentina’s potent attack and Messi’s quest to extend his World Cup goal record. Even a narrow loss would be a notable achievement for Cape Verde, while a victory would rank among the greatest shocks in World Cup history.

The final Round of 32 match features Colombia against Ghana in Kansas City. Colombia topped their group with wins over Uzbekistan and Congo and a draw with Portugal, while Ghana advanced as a third-place team after a win over Panama, a surprising draw with England, and a loss to Croatia. Fans will be eager to see veteran James Rodríguez continue his World Cup journey, but African teams have proven resilient throughout the tournament.