Argentina vs Cape Verde Isl. Prediction & Picks - World Cup
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by Bradley Gibbs | in World Cup Picks
The world champions will be in knockout action for the first time at the 2026 World Cup on Friday, when Argentina and Cape Verde will lock horns in what is very much a David-vs-Goliath battle in Miami.
The Argentines have definitely been handed a kind draw here. They’re up against a team that is severely lacking in experience at this level, facing players who have never played a World Cup knockout match before. The African islanders have already defied the odds, and they will be looking to cause what would be the biggest upset in World Cup history, but let’s be real, this is a huge opportunity for the South Americans to advance, an opportunity that they should take without fuss.
From a betting point of view, the best option is ‘Argentina to Win & Over 2.5 Goals’ at odds of -135.
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Argentina vs Cape Verde Isl. Form
Argentina and Cape Verde Isl. Latest Matches
6/6 (100%)
0/6 (0%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 27, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 22, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 16, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 9, 2026 - International Friendlies
Jun 6, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
6/6 (100%)
0/6 (0%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 22, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 16, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 9, 2026 - International Friendlies
Jun 6, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 27, 2026 - International Friendlies
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 27, 2026 - World Cup
Nov 14, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 14, 2025 - International Friendlies
Sep 9, 2025 - World Cup
Jun 5, 2025 - World Cup
Mar 21, 2025 - World Cup
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 26, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 21, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 15, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 6, 2026 - International Friendlies
May 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 29, 2026 - FIFA Series
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 26, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 6, 2026 - International Friendlies
May 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 29, 2026 - FIFA Series
Nov 17, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 13, 2025 - International Friendlies
1/6 (17%)
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 21, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 15, 2026 - World Cup
Mar 26, 2026 - FIFA Series
Oct 8, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 4, 2025 - World Cup
Jun 8, 2025 - International Friendlies
Argentina - Cape Verde Isl.: Form Analysis
Lionel Scaloni’s men were never going to struggle having been put into a group with Austria, Algeria and Jordan, and struggle they did not. The world champions made a fast start, with the magical Lionel Messi lighting the Argentinian touch paper by scoring a hat-trick during the first round of group games. The greatest to ever do it then added two more goals as his team eased beyond Austria, making it two wins from two, before easily beating Jordan and advancing thanks to three victories on the spin.
The greatest to ever do it then added two more goals as his team eased beyond Austria, making it two wins from two, before easily beating Jordan and advancing thanks to three victories on the spin.
Unlike the Argentines, the Cape Verdeans were not expected to thrive at this tournament. In fact, they were expected by almost everyone to flounder and exit having finished bottom of a group containing both Spain and Uruguay. However, the minnows massively outperformed expectations the first time out, tying with the Spanish, keeping a clean sheet in the process, before holding Uruguay to a tie too. Finally, a tie against the Saudis was enough for the African islanders to make it through, despite being given little chance just a few weeks ago.
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Cape Verde Isl. v Argentina last Lineups
Formation : 4 - 4 - 2
Formation : 4 - 1 - 2 - 3
Substitutes
G. Rulli
J. Musso
DefenderG. Montiel
L. Martinez
F. Medina
N. Molina
C. Romero
MidfielderA. Mac Allister
R. De Paul
N. Gonzalez
V. Barco
E. Fernandez
ForwardL. Messi
T. Almada
J. Lopez
M. Rosa
C. Dos Santos
DefenderK. Pires
L. Costa
Stopira
S. Moreira
MidfielderY. Semedo
H. Varela
N. Da Costa
G. Rodrigues
L. Duarte
J. Cabral
ForwardG. Benchimol
Missing players
T. Arcanjo
Argentina & Cape Verde Isl. Squad Analysis
Lionel Scaloni did make a few changes ahead of the game against Jordan, resting the likes of Enzo Fernadez, Rodrigo de Paul, Cristian Romero, while both Lionel Messi and Alexis Mac Allister only featured as subs. All of those players are now expected to return to the starting XI, meaning that Nico Paz, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Giuliano Simeone and Nicolas Otamendi will all drop back to the bench.
Helio Varela has made positive impacts as a substitute at this tournament, especially when scoring against Uruguay, and will once again be used as an alternative weapon.
Cape Verde head coach Bubista was without key player Sidny Lopes Cabral last time out. The Benfica defender was suspended following two yellow cards but he’s not eligible to play and will return to the starting XI. Helio Varela has made positive impacts as a substitute at this tournament, especially when scoring against Uruguay, and will once again be used as an alternative weapon.
Most goals and assists
Argentina
Cape Verde Isl.
L. Messi
(6 Goals)
R. De Paul
(1 Assists)
,
N. Gonzalez
(1 Assists)
,
F. Medina
(1 Assists)
Argentina - Cape Verde Isl. Key Points
- The Argentinians have won three out of three at the tournament so far.
- At this World Cup, at least three goals have been scored in each of Argentina's two games against much lower-ranked opponents.
- Three or more goals have been scored in three of Argentina's last four games in general.
- The Argentinians have won each of their last ten games.
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Our Argentina vs Cape Verde Isl. Prediction
An Argentinian victory is clearly on the cards. Many neutrals would love to see the Cape Verde fairytale continue, but sadly, this is where the road ends for the African islanders, who have absolutely been a worthy addition to the tournament.
The world champions have shown how easily they can step on the gas against inferior opposition at this tournament, so much so that they should be priced less generously to win a game that contains a minimum of three goals.
Our Argentina vs Cape Verde Pick: Argentina to Win & Over 2.5 Goals.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Isl. - Other Interesting Picks
Argentina to Win
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Argentina vs Cape Verde Isl. match : Frequently asked questions
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
