Argentina vs Cape Verde prediction, betting tips & preview – World Cup 2026

Cape Verde will be looking to cause a major upset in their first-ever World Cup knockout match when they face Argentina at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in Friday's Round of 32 clash.

Argentina cruised through their group by winning all three matches, a feat matched only by Mexico and France at this World Cup, and they are among the favourites to lift the trophy once again after their triumph in Qatar four years ago.

Making their first-ever World Cup appearance alongside Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan, Bubista's side have made the nation proud, as they are the only one of the four debutants to have reached the knockout stage.

Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions. Additionally, take a look at our best World Cup betting offers to give yourself the best chance of making some profit.

Argentina vs Cape Verde key stats

• Lionel Messi has scored in each of his last three matches, netting six goals.
• Five of Argentina's last seven matches have produced Over 2.5 goals.
• The Albiceleste have won the first half in each of their last 10 matches.

Argentina vs Cape Verde preview: Lionel Messi to score four in a row?

Seven years ago, Argentina lost to Brazil in the Copa America semi-finals, and since then they have not suffered defeat in a knockout match at any major tournament.

Under Lionel Scaloni, the Albiceleste have won the Copa America in 2021 and 2023, as well as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and they head into this contest on a 10-match winning run.

Lionel Messi, the tournament's all-time leading scorer, is showing no signs of slowing down, having already netted six goals at this World Cup, with fans expecting even more from their captain.

Cristian Romero should return in place of Nicolas Otamendi, while Messi, Emiliano Martinez and Alexis Mac Allister are all expected to return to the starting XI after being rested in the previous match.

In their first-ever World Cup, Cape Verde have impressed by reaching the knockout stages despite failing to win a single group match.

With three draws and only two goals scored, this game is not even a contest statistically. However, Cape Verde have already shown they can compete against strong opponents after earning a 0-0 draw with Spain in their opening match.

The Blue Sharks are the lowest scorers among the 32 teams left in the competition, but their defensive organisation, disciplined shape and determination to stay compact have also won the hearts of many neutrals.

Telmo Arcanjo, Jamiro Monteiro and Kevin Lenini all appeared to pick up injuries before the final group game against Saudi Arabia, but apart from Arcanjo, who is nursing a hamstring injury, the other two are available for this crucial game.

Argentina vs Cape Verde form guide & betting tips

Whispers predicts: Argentina 3-0 Cape Verde

The three-time world champions are overwhelming favourites for this tie, and we expect them to secure a comfortable victory.

Three or more goals have been scored in five of Argentina's last seven matches, making Over 2.5 goals at 8/11 (1.73) an attractive option.

Argentina have scored in both halves in all three of their World Cup matches and have led at half-time in each of their last 10 games. As a result, Argentina to win both halves at 4/6 (1.67) also looks like a tempting bet.

Lionel Messi has scored in each of his last four competitive international appearances, and the Inter Miami forward can be backed to score anytime at 4/6 (1.57) or to net the opening goal at 21/10 (3.1).