Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde: Defending champions survive major World Cup scare in extra-time thriller
Argentina narrowly avoided a historic upset, defeating a heroic Cape Verde side 3-2 in extra time to advance to the World Cup Round of 16.
Argentina
Vieri: Only two Italy players would start for World Cup favourites France
Cristian Vieri believes France and Argentina are the teams to beat at the 2026 World Cup. The former Italy striker claims only Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sandro Tonali could force their way into Didier Deschamps’ starting eleven.
Lopes Cabral: From 1% odds to facing Messi with Cape Verde
Cape Verde defender Sidny Lopes Cabral says the island nation will not be overawed by Lionel Messi when they face Argentina, having already defied predictions to reach the World Cup knockout phase unbeaten.
Capello hails Lautaro Martinez as Messi’s ‘ideal sidekick’ at World Cup
Fabio Capello has praised Lautaro Martinez for adapting his game to support Lionel Messi at the 2026 World Cup, describing the Inter striker as playing “more of a Robin than a Batman.”
Jordan 1-3 Argentina Analysis: Messi’s Seventh Straight World Cup Goal and Scaloni’s Rotation Test
Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 on June 28, 2026, to win Group J with a perfect nine points. Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his seventh consecutive World Cup goal, reaching 19 tournament goals total, while Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez scored earlier. Mousa Al-Tamari netted for already-eliminated Jordan. Argentina advance to face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
World Cup 2026: France and Messi Dominate Group Stage as Knockout Phase Begins
France and Argentina head into the last 16 as leading contenders, with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi delivering headline performances during a group phase that saw Mexico achieve perfection.
Messi nets 19th World Cup goal as Argentina defeat Jordan 3-1
Lionel Messi scored his 19th World Cup goal from the bench as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 to complete a perfect Group J campaign and set up a Round of 32 clash with Cape Verde.
Cape Verde seal historic World Cup knockout spot to set up Argentina clash
The Blue Sharks become the smallest nation by population to reach the last 32 after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia, booking a meeting with the reigning champions in Miami.
World Cup Group J Finale: Austria and Algeria Battle for Second Place
Austria require only a draw against Algeria to secure second place in Group J, while already-qualified Argentina prepare to rotate their squad against eliminated Jordan.
2026 World Cup: Predicted Lineups Revealed for the Round of 32
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup heads into the Round of 32, we look at the predicted lineups for key contenders, including African giants and global superstars.