Argentina vs. Cape Verde Picks – World Cup Round of 32 Betting Preview, Team News, and Predictions (Jul 3) 

• When: Friday, July 3, 2026. 6:00 PM ET
• Where: Miami Stadium, USA
• How to Watch: FOX, Telemundo

Match Result	Odds
Argentina	-600
The Draw	+700
Cape Verde	+1800

Argentina vs. Cape Verde World Cup Preview

The reigning world champions have made an electric start to their defense of the FIFA World Cup this summer, and Argentina will be hoping to avoid one of the biggest shocks in competition history when they collide with Cape Verde in the round of 32 on July 2 in Miami, USA.

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Argentina Stats & Team News

It is hard not to have been impressed by the start to their defense that Argentina have made this summer. Despite being overlooked in their attempt to retain the title, the South American nation cruised through to the knockout stage as Group J winners.

Argentina recorded three straight victories in the opening round, scoring at least twice in all wins. Lionel Messi has undeniably been one of the stars of the summer, scoring a staggering six goals and also smashing the record for the most goals in World Cup history.

Messi will return to the starting eleven after being rested from the start against Jordan, and he will likely play alongside Lautaro Martinez.

Likely Lineup:

(4-4-2) Martinez (GK); Molina, Romero, Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Almada; Messi, Martinez

Cape Verde Stats & Team News

It has been a historic summer for the nation of Cape Verde, and they made more history in the group stage by becoming the smallest country to ever reach the knockout stage of a World Cup.

There was no fluke about it either, as the minnows credibly played out draws against former winners Spain and Uruguay, before holding their nerve to complete the job against Saudi Arabia. Their defensive quality has been eye-catching, and their well-drilled approach to fixtures could threaten a potential upset this week.

The fact that they have already held attack-minded Spain bodes well for their chances, but knockout soccer comes with its own challenges, and it would be truly remarkable if they are able to eliminate the reigning champions in Miami.

Likely Lineup:

(4-1-2-3) Vozinha (GK); Pina, Lopes, Diney, Fernandes; Pina, Duarte, Monteiro; Mendes, Livramento, Semedo

Head-to-Head Stats

• This will be the first-ever meeting between Cape Verde and Argentina.

Argentina vs. Cape Verde World Cup Picks

All of the pressure will be on Argentina in the round of 32, as they will be expected to book their spot in the round of 16. An early goal would ease the pressure, while the longer the match goes without any efforts, the more Cape Verde will gain confidence. But, the historic fairytale of Cape Verde almost certainly looks set to come to an end in Miami.

• Argentina (-600)