Argentina opens World Cup knockout stage against debutants Cape Verde as Switzerland advances

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:

With Argentina we can win 1-0.

He announced he will gift Lionel Messi a Cape Verde shirt with number 10, calling it

a recognition to the best player in the world.

The Blue Sharks must now shackle a Messi who has been in sparkling form across the American June.

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.

1. Jul 3, 05:00 AMSwitzerland 2-0 Algeria
2. Jul 4, 12:00 AMArgentina vs Cape Verde kicks off
3. Jul 4, 03:30 AMColombia vs Ghana
4. Jul 4, 07:00 PMCanada vs Morocco
5. Jul 4, 11:00 PMParaguay vs France