The Argentina vs Cape Verde Round of 32 match in the FIFA World Cup 2026 turned into one of the most dramatic knockout games of the tournament. After 120 minutes of thrilling football, the defending champions Argentina secured a 3-2 extra-time victory to eliminate the World Cup debutants and book their place in the Round of 16.
Key Match Stats of Argentina vs Cape Verde (FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32)
Match Result: Argentina 3 – 2 Cape Verde (After Extra Time)
Possession: Argentina 59% – 34% Cape Verde (7% in contest)
Shots (On Target): Argentina 22 (12) – 16 (5) Cape Verde
Corners Won: Argentina 8 – 8 Cape Verde
Free Kicks: Argentina 14 – 16 Cape Verde
- Lionel Messi scored his 20th FIFA World Cup goal, extending his all-time World Cup scoring record.
- Cape Verde became the first African nation to score two goals against Argentina in a FIFA World Cup match.
FIFA World Cup 2026 (Round of 32): Argentina vs Cape Verde Official Match Stats
Important Facts of Argentina vs Cape Verde (FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32)
- Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Lisandro Martínez delivered a brilliant long pass, and Messi controlled it superbly before lifting the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
- Deroy Duarte equalised for Cape Verde in the 59th minute. Ryan Mendes provided a low cut-back inside the box, and Duarte squeezed his effort beyond the Argentine defence to level the score.
- Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead in the 92nd minute. A dangerous ball into the area eventually found the defender, whose finish looked to have sent Argentina through.
- Sidny Lopes Cabral struck for Cape Verde in the 103rd minute. Cape Verde refused to give up, producing another equaliser in extra time to stun the defending champions.
- Argentina found the winner in the 111th minute through an own goal by Diney Borges. Under heavy pressure inside the penalty area, Borges inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Argentina a dramatic 3-2 lead.
Argentina at the FIFA World Cup: Stage-wise Exit History & Finishing Record
The Match Status: Argentina vs Cape Verde (FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32)
Argentina enjoyed more possession and created the greater number of chances, but Cape Verde matched the defending champions with an outstanding attacking display. The African side equalised twice and pushed the match into extra time, forcing Argentina to work extremely hard for qualification.
Despite Argentina registering 22 shots compared to Cape Verde’s 16, the Blue Sharks remained dangerous throughout the contest and came within minutes of taking the game to a penalty shootout.
Where and How to Watch Round of 16 matches in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Argentina
What does the Argentina vs Cape Verde (FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32) match mean?
Argentina have progressed to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after surviving a huge scare against Cape Verde. The reigning world champions will now face Egypt, while Cape Verde bow out after one of the most memorable World Cup campaigns by a debutant nation.