Argentina vs. Cabo Verde Confirmed Lineups & Preview | 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with a pivotal group stage showdown as Argentina takes on Cabo Verde in a matchup that could play a major role in determining the group’s eventual standings.

Argentina enters the contest as the reigning World Cup champions looking to build momentum and assert their dominance in the group, while Cabo Verde aims to make history on the sport’s biggest stage with a disciplined and organized performance. With valuable points on the line, both teams know the importance of securing a result as the race for the knockout stage heats up.

Led by stars such as Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, and Cristian Romero, Argentina boasts one of the most talented and experienced squads in the competition. Cabo Verde, meanwhile, will rely on a disciplined defensive structure and attacking threats like Jovane Cabral and Ryan Mendes as they look to pull off one of the tournament’s great upsets.

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Argentina Confirmed Starting Lineup

Argentina will deploy a technically gifted and attack-minded lineup featuring world-class quality throughout the pitch.

Emiliano Martinez starts in goal behind a back four consisting of Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Facundo Medina. Romero and Lisandro Martinez provide leadership and defensive stability at the heart of the backline, while Molina offers attacking support and energy from right back.

In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister are expected to anchor the center of the pitch. Fernandez brings composure and range in possession, while Mac Allister’s energy and passing quality help Argentina control the tempo. Rodrigo De Paul and Thiago Almada provide creativity and width from the right and left midfield positions respectively.

Further forward, Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi are expected to spearhead the Argentine attack. Messi remains the irreplaceable creative force and finishing threat at the heart of everything Argentina does, while Lautaro provides relentless movement, physicality, and clinical finishing ability through the middle.

• GK: Emiliano Martinez
• RB: Nahuel Molina
• CB: Lisandro Martinez
• CB: Cristian Romero
• LB: Facundo Medina
• MR: Rodrigo De Paul
• CM: Enzo Fernandez
• CM: Alexis Mac Allister
• ML: Thiago Almada
• ST: Lautaro Martinez
• ST: Lionel Messi

Cabo Verde Confirmed Starting Lineup

Cabo Verde is expected to line up with a balanced and well-organized squad that blends defensive discipline with creative attacking talent.

Vozinha starts in goal behind a back four featuring Steven Moreira, Pico, Diney, and Sidny Lopes Cabral. Diney and Pico provide composure and organization at the heart of the defense, while Moreira offers pace and energy from right back.

In midfield, Kevin Pina is expected to provide defensive cover and control from a deeper role. Ahead of him, Laros Duarte and Deroy Duarte operate centrally, with their ability to remain compact defensively while supporting the attack proving crucial against Argentina’s talented midfield. Ryan Mendes and Nuno offer width and attacking creativity from the right and left flanks respectively.

Further forward, Jovane Cabral is expected to lead the line, offering pace, directness, and a goal threat as Cabo Verde looks to make the most of every opportunity they create against one of the tournament’s heavyweights.

• GK: Vozinha
• RB: Steven Moreira
• CB: Pico
• CB: Diney
• LB: Sidny Lopes Cabral
• CDM: Kevin Pina
• RM: Ryan Mendes
• CM: Laros Duarte
• CM: Deroy Duarte
• LM: Nuno
• ST: Jovane Cabral

Team News & Key Absences

Argentina enters the match as the reigning world champions with a full complement of key players expected to be available. Messi remains the headline attraction, while Fernandez, Mac Allister, Romero, and Lautaro Martinez provide quality and leadership throughout the spine of the team.

Cabo Verde faces a significant challenge but arrives with their key players expected to feature. Jovane Cabral remains the team’s primary goal threat, while Ryan Mendes and Kevin Pina represent two of the nation’s most important creative and defensive contributors.

Both teams are expected to have the majority of their preferred starters available for this important group stage matchup.

Match Outlook & Resources

Argentina enters the contest as the overwhelming favorite thanks to its world-class depth, championship experience, and overall squad quality. The combination of Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Fernandez, and Mac Allister gives Argentina extraordinary attacking and midfield firepower, while Emiliano Martinez and Romero provide elite stability at the back.

Cabo Verde, however, has shown in recent years that they are capable of competing with stronger opposition through defensive discipline and swift counter-attacking play. Keeping a compact defensive shape and making the most of set-piece opportunities will be key if they hope to spring a major upset.

With valuable group-stage points at stake and knockout-round positioning beginning to take shape, expect Argentina to look to assert control early while Cabo Verde fights with everything they have to keep their World Cup dreams alive.