A David-vs-Goliath-type battle in the Round of 32 will take place on Saturday, July 4, at 08:00 AEST when reigning champions Argentina take on this year’s biggest surprise in Cape Verde.

Argentina’s defence of the 2022 title has started off in the perfect way – they have a 100% record, winning all three games, topping Group J and Lionel Messi scoring for fun.

For different reasons, though, Cape Verde have become the fan favourites at this tournament, defining the odds, and providing a feel-good underdog story as they qualified for the Round of 32.

They managed to draw all three of their games to go through in second place in Group H, taking points from Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. This is surely as far as they go, though.

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Quick Picks

Our pick: Argentina to win

Value bet: Over 3.5 Goals

Long shot: Lionel Messi to score a Hat-Trick

Argentina vs Cape Verde prediction

Given they are going to be coming up against a squad that features Messi, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, and many other global superstars, Cape Verde haven’t been given a sniff in the moneyline odds.

Of course, the small nation led by Bubista have defied all the odds already, but this one seems a step too far. Captain and most-capped star Ryan Mendes may be unavailable following recent news stories, but breakout star 40-year-old Vozinha should be between the sticks in an attempt to thwart Messi and co.

Still, we think he’ll be in for a busy 90 minutes given the star power and quality that Lionel Scaloni’s side have available to them. It’s why we agree with the odds and believe Argentina will be likely winners.

For a sense of where this clash sits in the bigger picture, scan the latest World Cup betting odds, and if you're new to the markets, our breakdown of how to bet on the 2026 tournament will sort you out before kickoff.

Argentina vs Cape Verde score prediction

Despite Cape Verde being extremely resilient in the tournament so far, keeping this Argentina side at bay looks improbable.

The ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ market has value, but we think there may be value in the ‘Over 3.5 Goals’ bet instead. Argentina won’t “go easy” on the minnows and will want to make sure complacency doesn’t come into the equation, perhaps in the same way it did for Uruguay after they conceded twice.

The two goals scored by Cape Verde were at the hands of the South Americans, as they drew 2-2 with two goalless draws on either side. However, both of those goals were from defensive errors. They had failed to find the back of the net without help, and we don’t think they’ll do it in this one.

The BTTS not hitting has value in this regard, although there is value in the Argentina to win to Nil market. They’ve conceded just one goal (against Jordan) in this tournament so far.

We think a correct score of Argentina 4-0 is most likely.

If you fancy backing Argentina, it's worth getting your head around how a multi bet works before you start stacking legs, and the lads who've racked up the most goals in football history make for a cracking read on a slow afternoon.

Argentina vs Cape Verde team news and line-ups

Predicted Argentina line-up (4-3-3): Emiliano Martínez, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Giovanni Simeone, Nico Paz, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez.

Argentina rotated through a comfortable group stage and the recent XI leans on a three-man midfield behind a fluid front line. Cristian Romero is expected to miss out with a knock.

Predicted Cape Verde line-up (4-2-3-1): Vózinha, Wagner Pina, Roberto Lopes, Edmilson Monteiro, João Moreira, Kevin Pina, Ryan Mendes, Deroy Duarte, Jamiro, Willy Semedo, Dailon Livramento.

Cape Verde is reported to have played Saudi Arabia in a closely contested match and will likely rely on a disciplined, compact defensive block. Telmo Arcanjo is expected to miss out with a knock.

Player markets to watch

Messi is an obvious candidate for the anytime goalscorer market. He has netted in every game of the tournament so far, leading the Golden Boot charts with six.

He has since become the player with the most goals in the tournament’s history, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he saw this as a game to add to his tally.

He’ll offer better value in the first goalscorer market, but has value in the ‘To Score 2+’ market. If you think he can be as prolific against Cape Verde as he was against Algeria in the opener, he has value in the ‘To Score a Hat-Trick’ market.

Lautaro Martinez found the net in the game against Jordan, albeit from the penalty spot, and could be worth value to add to his tally in this one as an anytime scorer. The Inter Milan forward is a constant threat and could find the space needed to get on the scoresheet once again.

Argentina vs Cape Verde Match Details

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Kick-off: 8:00am AEST.

Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens.

Where to watch: Sportsbet, SBS.

Where to Watch Argentina vs Cape Verde

For the first time ever, Sportsbet is offering punters the chance to stream World Cup matches live*.

To watch Sportsbet's live streams of the World Cup, you must:

- Be 18+.

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World Cup streaming is available both in-app and on-web. As long as you meet the above requirements, you'll be able to tune in on your computer, tablet or phone.

To access the stream for Argentina vs Cape Verde simply find your way to the official betting page for this match. Or, if you have a bet on the game you can watch from your "My Bets" section.

Traditional World Cup broadcaster SBS is also showing every World Cup match, meaning you can also watch Argentina vs Cape Verde on either SBS, SBS Viceland or SBS On Demand.

*18+ Available to Sportsbet customers only. Conditions apply – see sportsbet.com.au

*Odds are subject to change.