Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare with Dramatic 3-2 Extra-Time Victory to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16
Defending champions Argentina narrowly avoided one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history after defeating tournament debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 encounter at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
What many expected to be a routine victory turned into one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament, as Cape Verde twice fought back to level the score before Argentina finally secured victory in extra time.
The result sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt, while Cape Verde leave the competition with enormous pride after producing a fearless performance against the reigning world champions.
Messi Opens the Scoring
Argentina controlled much of the early possession and eventually broke the deadlock in the 29th minute through captain Lionel Messi, whose brilliant finish gave the South American giants a deserved lead.
The goal also extended Messi’s remarkable World Cup scoring record, continuing his outstanding tournament.
Cape Verde Refuse to Surrender
Rather than collapse after conceding, Cape Verde responded with tremendous courage.
The African underdogs equalised in the 59th minute when Deroy Duarte found the back of the net, stunning the Argentine supporters and sending the match into an intense final half-hour.
Cape Verde defended bravely while continuing to threaten on the counterattack, forcing Argentina to work much harder than expected.
Extra Time Produces More Drama
With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the match entered extra time.
Argentina regained the advantage almost immediately when Lisandro Martínez scored in the 92nd minute, appearing to put the holders back in control.
However, Cape Verde once again refused to give up.
In the 103rd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral produced another equaliser to make it 2-2, completing an incredible comeback and raising hopes of one of the greatest World Cup upsets ever.
Argentina Finally Find the Winner
With penalties looming, Argentina continued to press for a decisive goal.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 111th minute, when a dangerous Argentine attack ended with Cape Verde defender Edilson Diney turning the ball into his own net under heavy pressure.
The own goal proved decisive as Argentina held on to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory after extra time.
Cape Verde Win Hearts Despite Elimination
Although eliminated, Cape Verde earned widespread admiration for their performance.
Competing in their first-ever FIFA World Cup, they pushed one of football’s greatest nations to the absolute limit and demonstrated remarkable organisation, resilience, and belief.
Their players leave the tournament having significantly raised the profile of Cape Verdean football on the global stage.
Match Summary
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Round: Round of 32
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Final Score: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (After Extra Time)
Goals
- Lionel Messi (29′) – Argentina
- Deroy Duarte (59′) – Cape Verde
- Lisandro Martínez (92′) – Argentina
- Sidny Lopes Cabral (103′) – Cape Verde
- Edilson Diney (Own Goal, 111′) – Argentina
What Comes Next?
Argentina advance to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt as they continue the defence of their FIFA World Cup title.
Cape Verde exit the tournament, but their unforgettable performance against Argentina will be remembered as one of the highlights of the 2026 World Cup.