Argentina - Cape Verde / 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16

Follow the LIVE broadcast of the Argentina vs. Cape Verde match in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on ŠPORT.sk! The match, also broadcast live on JOJ Šport, kicks off at 00:00 CET.

In the penultimate match of the Round of 16 program at the World Cup, reigning champions Argentina will face one of the tournament's biggest surprises – debutants Cape Verde, who shockingly secured second place in the challenging Group H. The match in sunny Florida promises a clash between uncompromising offensive quality and the dedicated, almost impenetrable defensive block of the African newcomers.

The reigning world champions navigated the group stage with absolute ease, without a single misstep. If anything disappointed coach Lionel Scaloni's squad after the initial phase of the tournament, it was the goal conceded in the final match against Jordan during a convincing 3-1 victory. This goal was only the second conceded in their last ten international appearances and broke an impressive streak of five consecutive clean sheets.

The South Americans entered the tournament with three consecutive clean sheets and maintained that form, starting the championship with a 3-0 triumph over Algeria, achieved with just ten shots on goal due to high efficiency. In their second match against Austria, a 2-0 win, they managed two more shots, and the opposing goalkeeper even recorded the first direct shot on Emiliano Martínez's goal. However, a more significant victory for the defending champions was denied by Lionel Messi, who missed a penalty in the 9th minute.

For the third time, Argentina gave no quarter to the aforementioned Jordan, and after relocating from Texas to Florida, they can now prepare in optimal comfort to breach the formidable African defenses.

In their historic debut at the World Cup finals, Cape Verde proved to the world that they deservedly belong on the grand football stage. Right at the start of the championship, they stunned the footballing public by unexpectedly taking points from one of the biggest favorites for gold, Spain, in a goalless 0-0 draw, which instilled immense confidence in the entire team.

Less than a week later, another giant, Uruguay, awaited them. Yet, they showed no fear against this South American powerhouse, and in a thrilling 2-2 draw, they even scored their first-ever World Cup goal in the 20th minute. The islanders experienced a brief lapse at the very end of the first half, conceding two quick goals in the sixth minute of added time, a setback that would break many teams. However, Cape Verde displayed an unbreakable spirit, equalizing in the 61st minute of the second half. They also had a touch of footballing luck with an disallowed goal for their opponent, and overall, they allowed the favored opposition only two shots on target.

In the crucial third match, they secured the necessary point for qualification against Saudi Arabia with another goalless 0-0 draw. However, whether their defensive miracle will be enough in the Round of 16 against the world's best team is highly questionable, as is the uncertain start of injured midfielder Telmo Arcanjo.

This will be the first-ever international encounter between these two national teams, and few doubt a clear triumph for the South Americans. Tactically, a relentless Argentine attack is expected, dominating possession throughout the match and seeking openings in the opponent's dense defensive block, while Cape Verde will focus on defensive disruption with minimal forays into attack.