Argentina is aiming for more in the United States-Mexico-Canada 2026 World Cup. This Friday, at 7 PM (Argentine time), they face Cape Verde in the Round of 32. The match, which represents the first step for the Albiceleste in the knockout stage of the World Cup, will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, United States, where a record attendance is expected.
Canadian Drew Fischer will be the referee. The official, belonging to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), has only one previous experience officiating the current world champions. On June 9, 2024, he was the main referee in the friendly match where Argentina defeated Ecuador 1-0 with a goal by Ángel Di María at Chicago Field Stadium in Illinois, United States.
The Albiceleste team reached this round after leading Group J with a perfect score: they beat Algeria 3-0, Austria 2-0, and Jordan 3-1. The African team, meanwhile, advanced as one of the great surprises of the tournament so far. They finished second in Group H without a win, drawing all three matches: 0-0 against Spain, 2-2 against Uruguay, and 0-0 against Saudi Arabia.
The match is scheduled for this Friday at 7 PM (Argentine time) in Miami, United States, and can be watched live on television via Telefé, TyC Sports, DSports, and TV Pública, as well as streaming on Disney+ Premium and Paramount+ platforms. In all cases, active subscriptions and being a customer are required. Additionally, you can follow the minute-by-minute with real-time updated statistics on canchallena.com.
The Argentine coaching staff has all 26 squad members available. The only one who was doubtful was Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero, but he has recovered from a knee knock and is aiming to start. If he is not in optimal condition on Friday, Nicolás Otamendi will take his place in central defense and will accompany Lisandro Martínez, forming the defensive triangle alongside goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez.
At left back, Facundo Medina has the edge over Nicolás Tagliafico due to his physical condition and performance in previous matches. The rest of the starting lineup, with Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Thiago Almada in midfield, remains unchanged. Lautaro Martínez would also return to accompany Lionel Messi in attack amid internal competition with Julián Álvarez, who has not yet shown his best form.
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para mi argentina vs cabo verde es un chiste estos negros de mierda ni saben donde queda la cancha menos mal q vuelve lautaro el unico q no es cagon vamos a pasar por arriba como siempre estos muertos de hambre no tienen chance
Para mí esto huele a choreo de la FIFA, nos ponen a jugar en Miami lleno de chetos mientras los laburantes ni podemos ir. Y Scaloni pone a Lautaro, claramente para vender camisetas, una mierda. Pero bueno, yo creo en la Scaloneta, vamos Argentina carajo a romperles el orto a estos yankis.