Argentina vs. Cape Verde Picks and Prediction for Friday, July 3, 2026
Use Code SSWC Argentina and Cape Verde meet in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Friday at 6:00 PM ET on FOX. Argentina won Group J with a perfect nine points after victories over Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Cape Verde advanced from Group H after drawing Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia to qualify for the knockout stage. Argentina enters this matchup riding a five-match winning streak, while Cape Verde is unbeaten in its last three World Cup matches. Win big with our free World Cup picks..
Argentina Chasing Another World Cup Title
Argentina has looked every bit like a championship contender through the group stage. Lionel Scaloni's side won all three matches while outscoring opponents 8-1, opening with a 3-0 victory over Algeria before defeating Austria 2-0 and closing with a 3-1 win over Jordan. Argentina averaged 2.67 goals per match while conceding only 0.33 goals per game.
Lionel Messi has been the tournament's biggest star with six goals in three appearances. Lautaro Martínez and Giovani Lo Celso have each added a goal, while Rodrigo De Paul, Nicolás González, and Facundo Medina have each recorded an assist. Argentina has controlled possession throughout the tournament at 62% while creating nearly two expected goals per match, combining patient buildup with clinical finishing in the final third.
The defending world champions also enter this match with five consecutive victories dating back to pre-tournament friendlies against Honduras and Iceland. Argentina has scored 13 goals while allowing only one during that stretch, giving the squad tremendous confidence entering the knockout rounds.
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Injuries: No injuries have been reported for Argentina.
Cape Verde Looking to Continue Historic Run
Cape Verde has already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stage for the first time in the nation's history. The Blue Sharks earned three consecutive draws, opening with a scoreless result against Spain before battling Uruguay to a 2-2 draw and finishing group play with another 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia.
Kevin Pina and Hélder Varela have each scored once during the tournament as Cape Verde averaged 0.67 goals per match. Despite limited attacking production, the defensive organization has been outstanding, conceding only two goals across three group matches while posting two clean sheets. Cape Verde has also benefited from strong goalkeeping, recording an 83% save percentage during group play.
Manager Rui Águas has built a disciplined squad that stays compact defensively and looks to capitalize on counterattacks. That approach frustrated both Spain and Uruguay during the group stage, but containing Argentina's world-class attack presents an even greater challenge.
Injuries: No injuries have been reported for Cape Verde.
Recent Head-to-Head
Argentina and Cape Verde have never met in an international match, with Friday's Round of 32 contest being the first-ever meeting between the two nations.
Argentina vs. Cape Verde Match Pick
- Argentina -1.5 Goals (-175)
Argentina has been one of the tournament's most complete teams, combining elite attacking talent with outstanding defense. Messi is playing at an exceptional level, and the supporting cast continues to create quality scoring chances throughout every match. Cape Verde deserves credit for an impressive defensive group stage, but Argentina presents a much tougher challenge than any opponent the Blue Sharks have faced. Expect the defending champions to control possession, create consistent pressure, and win comfortably to reach the Round of 16.
Argentina vs. Cape Verde Over/Under Pick
- Over 2.5 Goals (-150)
Argentina has averaged nearly three goals per match during the tournament and has scored at least two goals in every World Cup fixture. Cape Verde's defensive discipline has been impressive, but eventually the pressure from Argentina's attack should create multiple scoring opportunities. If Argentina scores early, Cape Verde will have little choice but to push forward, opening additional space for Messi and company. A 3-0 or 3-1 Argentina victory is the most likely outcome.
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