Argentina enters the field this Friday (3) with the confirmed lineup for the clash against Cape Verde, valid for the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Scaloni opted for a strong formation, keeping Lionel Messi as a starter alongside Lautaro Martínez in attack.
Argentina’s confirmed lineup (4-4-2):
- Goalkeeper:Emiliano Martinez
- Defense:Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina
- Midfield:Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada
- Attack:Lionel Messi (captain), Lautaro Martínez
Cape Verde lineup confirmed
Cape Verde, an African sensation in its World Cup debut, also has its lineup confirmed. Coach Bubista has the full squad for the historic duel against the current champions.
Cape Verde’s confirmed lineup:
- Goalkeeper:Voice
- Defense:Steven Moreira, Diney Borges, Pico Lopes, Sidny Lopes Cabral
- Midfield:Kevin Pina (or Lenini), Jamiro Monteiro, Ryan Mendes, Deroy Duarte
- Attack:Willy Semedo, Dailon Livramento (main references)
Where to watch live around the world
The Argentina x Cape Verde game, at 7pm (Brasília time) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, will have extensive global coverage. In Brazil, transmission is carried out by TV Globo (open), sportv, ge.tv, Globoplay, SBT, Bandeirantes and CazéTV (YouTube). Worldwide, options include: ESPN (Latin America and USA), beIN Sports (Middle East and North Africa), ARD/ZDF (Germany), BBC/ITV (United Kingdom), DAZN (several countries in Europe and Asia), Sky Sports (Italy/United Kingdom), SBS (Australia), TSN (Canada) and FIFA+ in regions with free or complementary broadcast.
Context and bracketing of the knockout stage
Argentina arrives as favorites after leading their group with 100% success. Messi, the World Cup’s top scorer with six goals, is the big star. Cape Verde, undefeated in its debut campaign (draws with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia), is looking for the historic upset. The winner advances to face the Australia x Egypt qualifier in the round of 16.
