Argentina vs Cabo Verde Round 32: Kickoff Time, Channel, Lineups Prediction, How to Watch

Argentina vs Cabo Verde: FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Preview, Prediction, Team News, Lineups & How to Watch

Defending champions Argentina face tournament surprise package Cabo Verde in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Friday, July 3, 2026. The knockout clash will take place at Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) in Florida, with a place in the Round of 16 at stake.

Argentina progressed as Group J winners, while World Cup debutants Cabo Verde made history by becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, finishing unbeaten as runners-up in Group H. After an impressive group-stage campaign, the Blue Sharks now face their biggest challenge yet against the reigning world champions.

When is Argentina vs Cabo Verde?

The Argentina vs Cabo Verde Round of 32 match will be played on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Argentina vs Cabo Verde Kickoff Time today

Kickoff Times:

6:00 PM EDT (Miami Local Time)
10:00 PM GMT

1:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Egypt.

7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026 in Argentina.

Where is Argentina vs Cabo Verde game today?

The match thy will be held at Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) in Miami Gardens, Florida, USA, one of the host venues for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

How to Watch Argentina vs Cabo Verde Live today, TV Channel, Live Stream

Fans worldwide can watch the match through FIFA's official broadcast partners.

United States

FOX Sports (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
Live Streaming: Fubo and Peacock

United Kingdom

BBC or ITV 
Live Streaming: BBC iPlayer and ITVX

Broadcast Options in Argentina

TV Channels: Free-to-air coverage is available on Telefe and Televisión Pública. Pay-TV coverage is broadcast on TyC Sports and DSports.

Live Streams: Free streaming is accessible via Mi Telefe and the official Televisión Pública website. Subscription-based streaming is available on TyC Sports Play, DGO, and Paramount+.

Broadcast Options in Cabo Verde

TV Channels: The national public broadcaster TCV provides local television access. Additionally, SuperSport carries the match via pay-TV across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Live Streams: Official digital streaming is provided locally by RTC. Subscription streaming is available via DStv Stream through the SuperSport network.

Argentina Team News today

Head coach Lionel Scaloni rotated his squad during the final group-stage fixtures to ensure his key players remain fresh for the knockout rounds.

Captain Lionel Messi is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested, while defender Cristian Romero continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained earlier in the tournament. If Romero is unavailable, veteran Nicolás Otamendi is expected to partner Lisandro Martínez in central defense.

Cabo Verde Team News today

Cabo Verde have been one of the biggest success stories of the tournament. The Blue Sharks reached the knockout stage without losing a group-stage match, thanks to a disciplined defensive system and effective counterattacking football.

Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, now 40 years old, has been one of the standout performers after recording clean sheets against Spain and Saudi Arabia. Head coach Bubista has no major injury concerns and is expected to field his strongest available lineup.

Argentina vs Cabo Verde Predicted Lineups

Argentina Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González.

Cabo Verde Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Vozinha; Steven Moreira Pina, Logan Costa, Roberto Lopes, João Paulo Fernandes; Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Deroy Duarte; Gilson Tavares Mendes, Livramento, Bebé.

Argentina vs Cabo Verde Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first-ever senior international meeting between Argentina and Cabo Verde in any competition.

Match Preview: Argentina vs Cabo Verde Prediction

Argentina enter the knockout stage among the favorites to retain the FIFA World Cup title. Led by Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, and Enzo Fernández, La Albiceleste possess the experience and attacking depth needed to challenge for another championship.

Cabo Verde have exceeded expectations with a disciplined defensive approach and quick transitions. Their ability to frustrate stronger opponents has been one of the tournament's biggest surprises, but containing Argentina's world-class attack for 90 minutes will be an enormous task.

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Argentina enter this knockout match as overwhelming favorites due to their depth, experience, and attacking quality.

Cape Verde’s biggest strength has been their defensive discipline, having frustrated top-tier opponents throughout the group stage. However, sustaining that level against Argentina’s elite attacking trio will be a major challenge.

If Argentina find rhythm early, their creativity and control in midfield should decide the match comfortably.

Prediction: Argentina 2–0 Cape Verde

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