The impressive campaign of Cape Verde in the 2026 World Cup concluded following a narrow 3-2 defeat against Argentina during their round-of-32 match. The tournament newcomers forced the defending champions into extra time, only to be undone by an unfortunate own goal from Diney.
Lionel Messi initially secured the lead for Argentina by netting his seventh goal of the competition. However, Cape Verde responded shortly after halftime when Deroy Duarte struck to equalize. During the extra period, Lisandro Martinez reclaimed the advantage for the Argentines, but Sidny Lopes Cabral quickly answered with a spectacular curling effort.
Cape Verde’s exit marks the seventh elimination of an African nation, following the earlier departures of Tunisia, South Africa, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria, and the DR Congo.
