Argentina advanced to the Round of 16 with a 3-2 extra-time victory over Cabo Verde in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens on July 3.
Argentine forward Lionel Messi of Argentina scored in the 29th minute. Cabo Verde midfielder Deroy Duarte equalized in the 59th minute. Argentine defender Lisandro Martínez restored the lead in the 92nd minute. Cabo Verde forward S. Lopes Cabral leveled the score with a stunning strike in the 103rd minute. An own goal by Cabo Verde defender Diney in the 111th minute secured the win for Argentina.
The match featured an even opening period before Cabo Verde’s resilient pressing forced extra time, where Argentina’s experience prevailed in a back-and-forth thriller.
Argentina, the defending champions, improved their standing in the knockout stage with this hard-fought result, maintaining positive goal difference momentum from the group stage despite the scare from debutants Cabo Verde.
Argentina faces Egypt in the Round of 16 on July 7.