Key takeaways from Round of 32 stage at World Cup 2026

The World Cup Round of 32 saw France continue their dominant form, with their potent attacking lineup proving unstoppable. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, narrowly defeated Cape Verde in extra time, with Messi scoring. Germany was surprisingly eliminated by Paraguay in a penalty shootout, marking a significant upset and a decline for the traditional power. Several European nations advanced, including Belgium, England, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland, though some faced tough challenges. The Golden Boot race is heating up, with Messi leading with seven goals, followed by Kylian Mbappe with six, and Erling Haaland and Harry Kane with five each. African teams, despite most exiting, provided exciting performances, while Morocco advanced with a defensive strategy.

Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time on Friday, July 3, 2026, to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Lionel Messi scored early in regulation, and Lisandro Martinez added a goal in extra time. Cape Verde equalized twice during the match, with Sidny Lopes Cabral and Deroy Duarte scoring for the island nation. The winning goal for Argentina was an own-goal by Cape Verde's Diney Borges in the 111th minute. Cape Verde, making its knockout round debut, put up a strong challenge against the reigning champions. Argentina will next face Egypt in Atlanta.

Argentina narrowly defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to advance to the World Cup's last 16. Lionel Messi opened the scoring for the reigning champions, but Cape Verde, playing in their first World Cup, twice equalized, threatening a major upset. Cristian Romero scored the winning goal via an own goal off a Messi corner in the second half of extra time. Cape Verde displayed remarkable resilience throughout the match, with Deroy Duarte and Sidny Lopes Cabral scoring their goals. Argentina will now face Egypt in their next match.

Lionel Messi returns to the World Cup pitch on Friday to compete for the Golden Boot, currently tied with Kylian Mbappé at six goals. Argentina faces Cape Verde in the round of 32, needing a win to advance. Messi has been in exceptional form, scoring in his last seven World Cup matches and holding the record for most career World Cup goals. Other contenders for the Golden Boot include Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, both with five goals. Messi has never won the Golden Boot, finishing second in 2022. The article also notes that tiebreakers for the Golden Boot include assists and minutes played.

Argentinian football fans transformed Miami Beach into a vibrant celebration ahead of their team's FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Cape Verde. Thousands of supporters, many wearing the team's iconic blue and white, gathered in "Little Buenos Aires" to welcome Lionel Messi's return to the city where he plays club football. The festive atmosphere, filled with singing and dancing, highlighted the deep connection fans feel to Messi and the team's quest to defend their title. Many expressed their belief that this is Messi's last World Cup and that he deserves to win another trophy. The presence of a large Argentinian diaspora in Miami, combined with traveling fans, has made the city a significant hub for the team's supporters during the tournament.

Reigning champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Miami on Friday, July 3rd. Argentina, who won all three of their group stage matches, are considered strong favorites against Cape Verde, a debutant nation and the smallest country to reach the World Cup knockouts. Despite Argentina's dominance, coach Lionel Scaloni emphasized respecting Cape Verde's capabilities, while Cape Verde's coach stated his team's fearless approach will continue. Opta's supercomputer predicts an 81% chance of an Argentina win in regulation time. This match marks the first-ever meeting between the two nations.

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will face Cape Verde on Friday night in Miami Gardens, Florida, aiming to secure a spot in the World Cup round of 16. Messi is currently the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 19 goals, tied with Kylian Mbappe, who is one goal behind. Argentina, a three-time champion, is heavily favored against Cape Verde, a team that has already surprised by drawing with Spain and advancing to the round of 32. Cape Verde's coach views the match as the most important in their history, emphasizing their merit in reaching this stage. Other upcoming matches include Australia vs. Egypt and Colombia vs. Ghana.