
Argentina opens World Cup knockout stage against debutants Cape Verde as Switzerland advances
Defending champions Argentina begin their knockout campaign against first-timers Cape Verde early Saturday, while Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 and Colombia vs Ghana follows overnight.
The 2026 World Cup round of 32 kicked off with a day of contrasting narratives, headlined by Argentina's clash with Cape Verde in Miami.
Cape Verde's dream tie
Cape Verde arrived at their first World Cup with scant expectations but stunned the group stage, holding Spain 0-0 behind the saves of 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha and grinding out three draws to finish second. President José Maria Neves embraced the underdog role with bravado:
He announced he will gift Lionel Messi a Cape Verde shirt with number 10, calling itWith Argentina we can win 1-0.
The Blue Sharks must now shackle a Messi who has been in sparkling form across the American June.a recognition to the best player in the world.
Scaloni's 100th match
For Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, the match marks his 100th game in charge, a tenure that transformed the Albiceleste from perennial nearly-men into a tournament-winning machine. He is expected to field a unchanged XI (4-4-2), with Messi alongside Lautaro Martínez and Thiago Almada in midfield. Only a couple of lineup decisions remained, centering on the full-back and attacking midfielder roles.
Switzerland edge past Algeria
Earlier, Switzerland secured progression with a 2-0 victory over Algeria in Vancouver. The tie pitted Swiss coach Murat Yakin against his predecessor Vladimir Petković, now in charge of the Desert Foxes. Algeria had qualified as one of the best third-placed sides after losing 3-0 to Argentina in the group opener. The Swiss, who topped their group, now await the winner of Colombia vs Ghana.
A busy last-32 slate
Today's schedule also includes Canada vs Morocco at 19:00 CEST and Paraguay vs France at 23:00 CEST. In the small hours, Colombia and Ghana will decide the last quarter-final spot, with Colombia's James Rodríguez and Ghana's Antoine Semenyo the key threats.
- Switzerland 2-0 Algeria
- Argentina vs Cape Verde kicks off
- Colombia vs Ghana
- Canada vs Morocco
- Paraguay vs France

