28/06/2026 07:09 - Deportes
The Argentine National Team, which finished as undisputed leader of Group J with 6 points and an impressive +5 goal difference, now knows its destiny in the knockout phase of World Cup 2026. The Albiceleste will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32, an unprecedented official match that promises to be an exciting encounter for fans worldwide.
The match is scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026 at 19:00 Argentine time (18:00 Eastern Time) at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, a venue that will host thousands of Argentine supporters who are already planning their trip to the United States.
Cape Verde arrives at this stage after a historic qualification in their first-ever World Cup participation. The African team finished second in Group H with 3 points, from three draws and a goal difference of 0.
The team managed by coach Bubista drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in their last group stage match, securing passage to the next round in dramatic fashion. Celebrations erupted in the streets of Praia (the capital) with fireworks lasting until dawn.
For this small African nation of just over 500,000 inhabitants, reaching the Round of 32 represents an unprecedented milestone in their football history.
| Date: | Friday, July 3, 2026 |
| Time: | 19:00 Argentina / 18:00 Miami |
| Venue: | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
| Stage: | Round of 32 |
| Referee: | To be confirmed |
Spain topped Group H with 7 points, while Uruguay was eliminated in a disappointing performance with only 2 points and no victories, marking their second consecutive group stage elimination under manager Marcelo Bielsa. Álex Baena's goal in the Spain vs Uruguay match defined the group's outcome.
If Argentina advances past Cape Verde in the Round of 32, they would move to the Round of 16, facing the winner of the Australia vs Egypt match on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta.
The road to World Cup glory continues to open for the National Team, which will seek to maintain the level shown in the group stage and advance firmly in the tournament.
In the Group J third round match against Jordan (played June 27, 2026 in Dallas), manager Lionel Scaloni planned rotations with Lionel Messi starting on the bench. Messi turned 39 years old on June 24, 2026.
Up to 7 players could make their World Cup debut in that match, including Giovani Lo Celso, Nehuén Paz, Facundo Medina, Franco Armani, Ángel Correa, Paulo Dybala, and Alejandro Garnacho.
The World Cup 2026 features an expanded 48-team format, divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each. The top two teams from each group qualify for the Round of 32, along with the 8 best third-placed teams. This new format provides more opportunities for historically underrepresented nations, as demonstrated by Cape Verde's remarkable achievement.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
