The Argentine national team already has its sights set on the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup group stage, but also knows its next hurdle in the round of 32. It will be on Friday, July 3 at 7 p.m. against Cape Verde, the tournament’s biggest surprise, which just eliminated Saudi Arabia and finished second in its group.
The team led by Lionel Scaloni arrives as Group J leaders, following a solid campaign that excites the entire country. However, the path will not be easy: Cape Verde, with a physical and fast style of play, promises to put up a fight. The African team, which had never advanced this far before, has become the Cinderella of this World Cup.
According to the new World Cup format, which features 48 teams divided into 12 groups, the top two from each group advance directly, along with the eight best third-placed teams. Argentina, by winning its group, avoided high-caliber matchups in the early knockout rounds, but must confirm its favorite status against a rival with nothing to lose.
But first, the Albiceleste must fulfill their match against Jordan, another revelation of the tournament. The Asian team achieved a historic qualification and will participate in a World Cup for the first time, a feat that generated great mobilization across the country. The architect of this remarkable growth is Moroccan coach Jamal Sellami, who took over in 2024 and consolidated the process started after the Asian Cup runner-up finish. His team stands out for its tactical discipline, physical intensity, and speed to exploit spaces in attack.
Among its standout players is Mousa Al-Tamari, captain and offensive leader who currently plays in French football and is considered the most important footballer in Jordan’s recent history. Additionally, young forward Ibrahim Sabra is one of the great promises of Asian football and a future bet for the national team.
Argentina will not only seek to add three points against Jordan but also build a more favorable path to advance in the tournament and avoid heavyweight rivals in the early knockout rounds. With Messi leading the attack and a creative midfield, hope grows. But in football, as in life, surprises are always on the menu. Can Cape Verde pull off an upset against the world champions? The date is Friday, July 3, and the whole world will be watching.
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Para mí esto huele a choreo del nuevo formato falopa de 48 selecciones. Cabo Verde no es rival serio, llegaron de casualidad y Argentina les va a pasar por encima como a un trapito. Me parece una falta de respeto que estos africanos de cuarta estén acá. Vamos Scaloni, dales con todo y que se vuelvan a su isla llorando.
para mi argentina vs cabo verde es joda no? estos negros de mierda juegan con palos y piedras jajaja scaloni si perdes contra estos raja de la seleccion ponete las pilas carajo aguante messi y la blanquiceleste