- Argentina have won 9 of their last 10 matches across all competitions and are on a five-game winning streak.
- Cape Verde have drawn their last 3 consecutive matches including 0-0 away to Spain and 2-2 away to Uruguay in FIFA World Cup Group H.
- Cape Verde have been compact and tough on the road in this campaign, conceding an average of 2.25 goals and scoring 1.25 on average away from home.
Scaloni's Stars to sweep past Cape Verde in Miami
Argentina enter Miami as the heavyweight of Friday's FIFA World Cup - Knockout Stage 2026 fixture against the tournament debutants Cape Verde and the minnows will need to defy the odds to dent the reigning champions at the Miami Stadium.
Lionel Scaloni's side have an easy ride through Group J so far, with both Algeria (3-0) and Austria (2-0) beaten at home, but they could face some resistance against the island nation who have become a real handful on this stage.
Bubista has moulded his Cape Verdeans into a compact, disciplined unit since taking over in 2020. The Crabs are a side that will stay deep, stay compact, and will look to counter when they can or from set-pieces.
Argentina's tactics will be the total opposite, as Scaloni has been a master at coordinating the press, the rotation of the 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 and keeping his side on the front foot, which means we shouldn't see any of these two sides going off the boil in Miami.
Cape Verde's counter play can cause a stir
The David vs Goliath story is hard to ignore for this first-ever clash between the two nations, but Argentina should have too much quality and depth to not show up.
Scaloni's men have scored 13 goals in their last 5 competitive matches across all competitions, conceding just once in their last 7 home matches.
Lionel Messi headlines Argentina's forward line as always, but the supporting cast have been in excellent form of late. So even if the captain isn't in the mood, Cape Verde will have to keep an eye on all of Argentina's attacking players.
Crabs can make a mark in the USA
Cape Verde are unbeaten in 5 straight matches, but they have won four, drawn three and lost three across all competitions in their current run.
Bubista's men have been solid in defence, holding Spain and Saudi Arabia at bay in 2 of their last 3 games, but the Crabs have given up enough to their opponents that they haven't been able to take a grip of the games.
With Kevin Lenini providing the spark in the side, the Creams have been more than capable in the final third, with the forward netting two of their six goals in the last five matches.
Our 9/50 favourites Argentina will surely win this match, but there are some value odds in the Under 2.5 goals and BTTS-NO markets at 137/100 and 9/20 respectively, as the Cape Verdeans' organisation and determination should make this a controlled, one-way clash, where the champions should still be able to pull away.
