This Friday at 7 p.m., the Argentine national team faces Cape Verde in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The African team, already a sensation after qualifying for a World Cup for the first time and advancing past the group stage as second in Group H (with Spain and Uruguay), seeks to pull off a shock against La Albiceleste.
Coached by Pedro Leitão «Bubista» Brito, the ‘Blue Sharks’ showed tactical discipline in their three matches, allowing them to draw 0-0 with Spain, equalize 2-2 with Uruguay (capitalizing on Uruguayan errors), and another 0-0 against Saudi Arabia. They earned only three points, but it was enough to advance.
The formation is a 4-1-4-1 that transforms into a 4-3-3 in attack. In goal, Vozinha (40 years old) is the starter, though he often errs on crosses. The defense consists of Diney Borges and Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes as center-backs, Sidny Cabral on the left, and Steven Moreira on the right. The pivot is Kevin Pina, joined by Jamiro Monteiro (the ’10’) and another midfielder rotating between Telmo Arcanjo, Deroy Duarte, or Laros Duarte.
In attack, captain Ryan Mendes (right winger, 36 years old) is immovable despite being accused of rape in New Zealand. On the left, Jovane Cabral, Garry Rodrigues, and Willy Semedo rotate. The center forward spot is contested by Livramento, Benchimol, Nuno Da Costa, and Hélio Varela.
Cape Verde sets up a low defensive block, tight lines, and immense sacrifice in individual duels. They aim to keep a clean sheet and strike on the counterattack. However, they have weaknesses: the wingers lack defensive commitment, the back line struggles with balls over the top, and the high press is disorganized. Argentina could exploit through balls and switches of play.
With the ball, they rely on long balls from Vozinha, using the width of the full-backs or individual dribbles. Monteiro is key in buildup, Rodrigues and Sidny Cabral overlap on the left, and the forwards excel at holding up play. The center-back duo is physical and steps out to anticipate.
Argentina must be cautious, move the ball side to side to find gaps, and maintain concentration to avoid a surprise that could turn the match.
Watch the 2026 World Cup in the best quality
These are the most sought-after TVs to watch the national team. All with 12 interest-free installments:
- Smart TV Kanji 32″ LED HD – From $120,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-89J3)
- Smart TV LG 43″ 4K UHD WebOS – From $450,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-WXW9)
- Smart TV Samsung 50″ 4K UHD – From $600,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-VVE0)
Approximate prices. 12 interest-free installments subject to each seller. Search for codes on Mercado Libre.
Para mí esto huele a otro equipo falopeado de África que viene a hacer tiempo. Se creen que por llegar a octavos ya son algo. Argentina les va a enseñar fútbol de verdad con huevos y tradición. Vamos muchachos pasenlos por arriba sin respiro. A la mierda con los africanos.
para mi estos negros de mierda se piensan q le ganan a argentina?? chorets africanos vayan a laburar la tierra en vez de jugar a la pelota la albiceleste los pasa por arriba como siempre