Argentina’s first World Cup 2026 knockout match pits the reigning champions against Cape Verde in Miami on Friday.
Lionel Messi will be looking to continue his scintillating form, starting the contest as joint-top scorer at the finals alongside France’s Kylian Mbappe.
Cape Verde have already caused a surprise by holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in their first-ever World Cup match, proceeding to finish the group stage unbeaten on five points.
The winners of the tie will face Australia or Egypt, whose last-32 match kicks off four hours earlier, in the last 16 in Atlanta on Tuesday (17:00 BST).
𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹 2026: 𝗗𝗶𝗮 4️⃣4️⃣
SUBSCREVA NO NOSSO CANAL NO YOUTUBE https://t.co/ykd5P5D1Gl
—– #FIFAWorldCup | #FIFAWorldCup2026 | #CaboVerde | #TubarõesAzuis | #WeAreCaboVerde pic.twitter.com/JXeyrYNVlR
— Federação Cabo-verdiana de Futebol (@fcfcomunica) July 2, 2026
World Cup 2026: Argentina confirmed team vs Cape Verde
Argentina starting XI: Emiliano Martinez, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Lionel Messi, Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martinez
Argentina substitutes: Juan Musso, Geronimo Rulli, Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Otamendi, Leandro Paredes, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Nico Gonzalez, Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez
World Cup 2026: Cape Verde full line up vs Argentina
Cape Verde starting XI: Vozinha, Diney Borges, Pico Lopes, Sidny Lopes Cabral, Steven Moreira, Kevin Pina, Jovane Cabral, Deroy Duarte, Laros Duarte, Nuno Da Costa, Ryan Mendes
Cape Verde substitutes: Marcio Rosa, Cj Dos Santos, Stopira, Logan Costa, Wagner Pina, Kelvin Pires, Joao Paulo, Jamiro Monteiro, Garry Rodrigues, Yannick Semedo, Willy Semedo, Telmo Arcanjo, Helio Varela, Gilson Benchimol, Dailon Livramento
Where to watch Argentina v Cape Verde: TV channel, live online streams
Kick-off on Friday is at 23:00 BST (18:00 ET / 15:00 PT). In the UK, live TV coverage is on ITV1.
Streaming is via ITV’s website and ITVX app, which is available on a vast variety of devices for viewing on the go.
