The Argentina vs. Cape Verde lineups are confirmed for today’s 2026 World Cup Round of 32 match set to kick off at 6 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The two countries meet head-to-head for the first time in each other's history, with a spot in the Round of 16 on the line.
Argentina is the overwhelming favorite to win this match with a 1.04x payout on PrizePicks and a 93% implied win probability to advance heading into Friday’s match. The defending World Cup champion, La Albiceleste, comes into the match unbeaten in the competition, topping Group J with three wins by a combined score of 8-1. Lionel Messi has scored in all three matches and in seven straight World Cup matches.
Cape Verde advanced to the knockout stage in its World Cup debut as the runner-up from Group H after three draws, including one against third-ranked Spain.
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Confirmed Argentina Lineup vs. Cape Verde for World Cup Round of 32
Formation: 4-4-2
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
- Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina
- Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada
- Forwards: Lautaro Martínez, Lionel Messi
Argentina subs vs. Cape Verde: Juan Musso, Gerónimo Rulli, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás Otamendi, Leandro Paredes, Valentín Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Julián Álvarez, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz, José Manuel López
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Confirmed Cape Verde Lineup vs. Argentina for World Cup Round of 32
Formation: 4-1-4-1
- Goalkeeper: Vozinha
- Defenders: Steven Moreira, Pico, Diney, Sidny Lopes Cabral
- Midfielders: Ryan Mendes, Deroy Duarte, Laros Duarte, Jovane Cabral, Kevin Pina
- Forwards: Nuno da Costa
Cape Verde subs vs. Argentina: Márcio Rosa, CJ dos Santos, Logan Costa, Wagner Pina, João Paulo Fernandes, Kelvin Pires, Ianique ‘Stopira’ Tavares, Telmo Arcanjo, Yannick Semedo, Gilson Benchimol, Dailon Livramento, Garry Rodrigues, Hélio Varela, Jamiro Monteiro, Willy Semedo
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What Argentina vs. Cape Verde Starting Lineups Mean for World Cup Round of 32 Predictions
Argentina is at full strength, with midfielder Cristian Romero in the lineup after being listed as questionable.
With Lionel Messi, Thiago Almada, and Lautaro Martínez leading up front and the midfield trio of Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister looking to feed Messi at all times, the defending champs are in prime position to advance to the Round of 16 for the fifth straight World Cup.
Cape Verde is set up with an organized block that has gotten them to this stage. They will use goalkeeper Vozinha behind a four-man defensive line that frustrated Spain in the 0-0 draw that opened up the World Cup.
The lone striker, Nuno da Costa, starts up top for Dailon Livramento and will look to work with Cape Verde's midfield to pressure Messi whenever possible while the team concedes possession by design. It worked not only with the 0-0 draw with Spain but also with the 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia that got them through the group stage.
For a full match breakdown — including player picks, trends, key players, and how we’re reading this matchup — check out our full Argentina vs. Cape Verde Round of 32 prediction article.
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Make Argentina vs. Cape Verde World Cup Round of 32 Predictions on PrizePicks
Even with upstart Cape Verde looking to bottle up the Argentinian offense, La Albiceleste are expected to take care of business on Friday and advance to play Egypt in the Round of 16. Will Cape Verde keep Messi and company contained and pull off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history?
Now that lineups are confirmed, it’s time to make your Argentina vs. Cape Verde picks on PrizePicks. Just pick your players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re right.
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