Argentina vs. Cape Verde Round of 32 Prediction: FIFA World Cup Odds, Betting Picks
Cape Verde made history by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup knockout round, in continuation of their first-ever World Cup, as they take on the defending champions of Argentina in the Round of 32.
Don’t miss out on one of the biggest potential underdog stories with the kickoff set for 6 p.m. ET this Friday as both teams seek a spot in this year’s Round of 16.
Check out our full list of live 2026 World Cup betting odds.
Argentina vs. Cape Verde FIFA World Cup: How to Watch and Match Info
- July 3, 6 p.m. ET at Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- Streaming on TSN, TSN+
- Forecast in the area indicates 32°C temperatures, 68 per cent humidity, and a slight potential for light rain at 25 per cent precipitation.
Argentina vs. Cape Verde Betting Odds
A win here for Cape Verde sits at long shot odds, as they come in priced to advance at +950 versus Lionel Messi’s Argentina at -2500. A draw in regulation sits fairly unlikely at +650 odds, with Over 2.5 goals at -145 odds, and the Under 2.5 at +120.
Argentina vs. Cape Verde Predicted Starting XI Lineups
Argentina predicted starting XI (4-4-2):
– Lionel Messi (ST) – Lautaro Martinez (ST) –
Thiago Almada (LM) – Enzo Fernandez (CM) – Alexis MacAllister (CM) – Rodrigo De Paul (RM),
Facundo Medina (LB) – Lisandro Martinez (CB) – Cristian Romero (CB) – Nahuel Molina (RB)
— Emiliano Martinez (GK) —
Argentina will continue to assert dominance through how they traditionally play, which has seen the team score eight goals over three games while only allowing one. Messi will most certainly take the helm in this one after scoring six goals in the group stage, as Argentina puts out a talented 4-4-2 for the fourth game in a row.
Cape Verde predicted starting XI (4-5-1):
— Dailon Livramento (ST) —
Willy Semedo (LM) – Jamiro Monteiro (LCM) – Kevin Pina (CDM) Deroy Duarte (RCM) – Ryan Mendes (RM)
J.P. Fernández (LB) – Diney (CB) – Roberto López (CB) – Wagner Pina (RB)
— Vozinha (GK) —
Cape Verde’s setup for all their group stage games resulted in a +0 GD with just two goals scored and two goals allowed. Their most impressive matchup was their 0-0 draw with Spain, which resulted from their 4-2-3-1 setup, which will likely be carried out here against Argentina, but this time in a lower-block 4-5-1.
Argentina FIFA World Cup Odds and News
Aside from France, Argentina looks to be the most likely World Cup winner candidate after breezing through to the Round of 32 with a 3-0 record and a +7 GD. Argentina has dominated in possession for all of their matches and has made minimal changes to their lineup for each game. When they aren’t scoring during the run of play, they are dangerous on set pieces, with two separate players scoring free kicks so far.
Messi is otherworldly, scoring six goals in just three games, a tally most players would aim to reach by the end of the entire tournament. If it’s not Messi hitting the back of the net (-210), both Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez are ready to strike at -120 each.
Cape Verde FIFA World Cup Odds and News
Cape Verde have showcased brilliant composure throughout the tournament so far to move on to the knockout round of this year’s World Cup with several respectable results, including a 0-0 draw with Spain. Finishing second in the group was highly impressive, especially over Uruguay, whom they managed to draw 2-2, before now facing their toughest opponents yet.
Cape Verde are expected to face the storm of Argentina head-on, and they’ll need to take their chances when they come, or they’ll have no chance of outscoring the 2022 World Cup winners. Dailon Rocha Livramento leads his team in odds to score (+800), which would make his first goal of the tournament an extremely impactful one.
Argentina vs. Cape Verde Player Odds and Props
Lionel Messi (ARG) to score 2+ goals (+255)
Messi has consistently shown he can score against any team under the biggest of circumstances. As he leads the Golden Boot race, be prepared to add two more to his tally against Cape Verde.
Lautaro Martínez (ARG) to score (-120)
Martinez buried a penalty kick against Jordan for his first World Cup goal this year, and as Argentina takes on Cape Verde with the Inter Milan forward playing as the target man, he’s set to score once again for the second match in a row.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Bracket and Futures
Odds to advance – Argentina (-2500), Cape Verde (+950)
Odds to win the World Cup – Argentina (+400), Cape Verde (+150,000)
Argentina vs. Cape Verde Score Prediction
Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina is more than prepared to win this game by any means. The team boasts boatloads of talent and experience to support their unstoppable captain, as they’ve got superstar offensive and defensive subs, with arguably one of the best goalkeepers of the last five years, Emiliano Martínez.
Cape Verde are already proud to have made it this far, but if they can’t contain Messi, they are bound to run into major trouble. The African team are lighter opponents with virtually no World Cup experience, so bank on a 3-0 result at least as Argentina press on into the Round of 16.