World Cup 2026: Argentina vs. Cape Verde Predictions

Argentina vs. Cape Verde Overview and Latest Odds

Argentina head into this Round of 32 clash as overwhelming favourites, with the bookmakers giving them an estimated 86 percent chance of securing victory within 90 minutes.

• Location: Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, United States 

• Date & Time: Friday, July 3, 6 pm ET

• How to Watch: FOX

For readers in states where traditional sports betting is not yet available, regulated US prediction market apps and sites provide a legal option. These platforms let users trade on event outcomes while drawing on the collective wisdom of the market to generate highly accurate forecasts.

Expert Betting Predictions and Best Bets for Argentina vs. Cape Verde 

Below are our three top tips for Argentina vs. Cape Verde, including two straight bets and one same-game parlay.

• Argentina -2 

Cape Verde has impressed and been a great underdog story, but running into Argentina could turn into a long afternoon, as the defending champions are in solid form. All three of Argentina’s wins during the group stage were by a margin of two or more goals.

Yes, Cape Verde was able to keep Spain at bay, but Argentina have looked far superior up to this point rather than the Euro 2024 winners. The attacking quality the three-time World Cup champions possess is enough to win by multiple goals.

• Argentina clean sheet yes

Argentina are not only stacked on attack, but their backend play has been equally phenomenal, which is why we’re backing them to keep a clean sheet. Three opening World Cup contests have seen Argentina catalogue two shutouts.

Emiliano Martínez hasn’t seen a ton of action thanks to the play of his defenders and the attacking players who have come to help out. The Aston Villa keeper has only had to make one save in his first three starts. Argentina don’t give up much space on the pitch, and Cape Verde will have moments finding it difficult to break down La Albiceleste’s defence.

• Lionel Messi to score last and over 16.5 shot attempts combined 

It’s been reported that Messi will start on the bench, but will most likely come on as a substitute during the second half. The way he’s been producing magical displays scoring in each group stage outing, amassing six goals in the process. With a heated Golden Boot chase going on, Messi will be expected to get minutes to stay in the scoring chase.

Between the two nations, in the six combined group-stage matches they’ve played, all six saw over 16.5 total shot attempts being recorded. Argentina are expected to create numerous opportunities on attack, while Cape Verde have the talent to go on the counter and take their chances if the opportunity is there.

Argentina Betting Preview

The defending World Cup champions cruised through the group stage, collecting a perfect nine points from three matches while posting a plus-seven goal differential. Dating back to their dominant pre-tournament run, Argentina enters Friday's Round of 32 clash riding a 10-match winning streak.

Manager Lionel Scaloni has guided Argentina to nine consecutive unbeaten FIFA World Cup matches, setting a new national coaching record and eclipsing Carlos Bilardo's eight consecutive unbeaten streak.

Lionel Messi hasn’t lost a step in his game and is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The 39-year-old has amassed 19 World Cup goals, making him the all-time leader in the World Cup. After the Round of 32 concludes, Messi may remain tied for the golden boot chase alongside Kylian Mbappé with six each.

Cape Verde Betting Preview

One of the most unlikely nations to qualify for the elimination stage did the unthinkable in a group with Spain and Uruguay: went unbeaten in the opening round. Registering three consecutive draws was enough for the tiny nation from Africa to earn a spot as one of the final 32 teams left in the tournament. 

Cape Verde became the first World Cup debutants to qualify for the knockout round since Slovakia in 2010. More impressively, the country became the first debutant to go unbeaten through the group stage since Senegal did so in 2002.

Between the sticks, Vozinha has become a cult hero across the globe in how he’s arrived on the World Cup scene. The 40-year-old currently has an 83.3 save percentage and two clean sheets. His Leadership and composure under pressure will be tested on Friday.

How Argentina vs. Cape Verde Match Up Against Each Other

Out of all the Round of 32 matchups, on paper, this affair might be the biggest mismatch in terms of the FIFA world rankings. The world’s current number-one-ranked side will meet 67th-ranked Cape Verde for the first time. 

Cape Verde frustrated Spain and Uruguay, parking the bus with a low-block defensive system. But Argentina is a different beast that doesn’t get overwhelmed that easily by the championship pedigree the squad has gained over the past few years, having won the Copa América and the World Cup. 

We have seen tight matches and major upsets throughout the Round of 32, but this tilt should finish with Argentina with their noses in front after the full-time whistle. Argentina’s real strength is its balance, they can hurt Cape Verde in a variety of ways, whether through controlled possession, set-pieces, or moments of individual brilliance.