Argentina vs Cape Verde predictions and betting tips – Can the debutants stun world champions?

Argentina were one of only three teams to end the group stage with maximum points, with Lionel Messi scoring in their victories over Algeria, Austria and Jordan.

Cape Verde were one of the stories of the World Cup group stage. The debutants drew all three games to advance in second spot. Can they shock Argentina?

• Argentina -2 handicap – 11/8 BetVictor
• Argentina to score in both halves – 8/11 with Paddy Power
• Lionel Messi to score 2+ goals – 19/10 with 247Bet

Argentina vs Cape Verde head to head overview

• Date: Friday 3rd July.
• Kick-off: 11pm.
• Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, USA.
• Where to watch: ITV and ITVX.
• Referee: TBC.
• VAR: Yes.
• Last meeting: Never played before.
• Favourite to win: Argentina.

Argentina vs Cape Verde predicted lineups

• Argentina expected lineup: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, Alvarez.
• Cape Verde expected lineup: Vozinha; Moreira, P. Lopes, Diney, Cabral; K. Pina, D. Duarte; Mendes, Monteiro, Rodrigues; Da Costa.

Argentina vs Cape Verde predictions

Argentina are aiming to make history this summer. Never before has a nation retained the World Cup in a continent outside their own, but Argentina are now the favourites to lift the trophy four years on from their success in Qatar.

Argentina might be in the Americas, but the players are a long way from home right now. The distance from Buenos Aires to New Jersey, where the final will be held on July 19, is around 5,300 miles. That is farther than the distance between London and Beijing.

Argentina got the defence of their title off to the perfect start in the group phase, where they were one of only three teams (alongside Spain and Mexico) to collect maximum points.

Lionel Messi delivered perhaps his greatest ever World Cup performance on matchday one, notching a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0.

A Messi brace followed in the 2-0 defeat of Austria a few days later, before Lionel Scaloni’s charges ran out 3-1 winners against Jordan last time out.

The strength of their performances is not the only positive. The draw has opened up nicely for Argentina. They are overwhelming favourites to eliminate Cape Verde in the round of 32, after which Argentina would face one of Australia or Egypt in the last 16. 

The winner of that tie would face either Switzerland, Colombia, Ghana or Algeria in the quarter-finals. That is an easier route to the last four than the one found on the other side of the bracket.

Argentina cannot afford to look too far ahead, though. The focus for now must exclusively be on Cape Verde, who have already sprung a few surprises over the last few weeks.

Argentina vs Cape Verde betting tips

Argentina continue the defence of their World Cup crown against Cape Verde in the round of 32.

End of the fairytale?

Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain in their first ever World Cup game was one of the highlights of the group phase.

Bubista’s boys proved that was no fluke by subsequently avoiding defeat by Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, with their tally of three points enough for a second-place finish in Group H.

However, the fairytale is likely to come to an end against Argentina, who have the tools to break down Cape Verde’s deep defence.

If Lionel Scaloni’s side get ahead, Cape Verde will need to come out at some point – and that would increase the chances of more Argentina goals.

Back Argentina with -2 handicap at 11/8 with BetVictor

Argentina too strong

Argentina rested a few key players against Jordan, although Lionel Messi still managed to get on the scoresheet after entering the fray on the hour mark.

Argentina have scored in all six halves they have played at this World Cup, and that will be their aim again on Friday. 

Cape Verde kept two clean sheets in the group stage, so Argentina will not break through with ease.

But given the quality at the disposal of Lionel Scaloni, Argentina should find the back of the net either side of the interval.

Tip Argentina to score in both halves at 8/11 with Paddy Power

Messi to grip game again

Lionel Messi left it until May before confirming that he would participate in this summer’s World Cup.

The Argentinian icon only wanted to be involved in North America if he felt he could do himself justice. As it has turned out, Messi had nothing to worry about.

No one scored as many goals as the Inter Miami forward in the group stage, as Messi made the net ripple six times.

He struck more than once against both Algeria and Austria, and the main reason he did not do so against Jordan was the fact he was on the bench for the first 60 minutes.

Go for Lionel Messi to score 2+ goals at 19/10 with 247Bet

Argentina vs Cape Verde latest odds

Find the latest Argentina vs Cape Verde betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

More World Cup 2026 predictions

We have plenty more World Cup 2026 predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Argentina and Cape Verde for betting

Lionel Messi has scored in a record seven consecutive World Cup games. Argentina have won each of their last 10 matches.

Cape Verde remain the only unbeaten team in World Cup history.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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