World Cup defending champions Argentina are set to clash with the tournament’s debutants in a highly anticipated Round of 32 clash at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Ahead of the game, Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has stated that they expect a tough match against the Islanders.
“We are excited like everyone else, but there is an opponent that we have to face, we have to respect, an opponent that has done very well. The margin is now narrowing. I think it’s not going to be easy. That’s the reality,” Scaloni told the press.
“It is a team that has not lost. Even in some matches, they deserved more – against Saudi Arabia, I think they deserved to win. Against Spain and Uruguay, maybe they suffered a little more, but they defended well.
“They block the interior pass well and then come out very well on the counterattack. And they want to play well. It’s a good team; we had already seen it as a possible rival. They are not there by chance; we have to respect them, and that’s what we’ll do.”
De Paul reveals expectations
On his part, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has expressed the need to face Cape Verde with caution.
“I think we have to face tomorrow’s match with a lot of responsibility. It’s very important for us. We’re not going to hold anything back every time we put on the Argentina national team jersey,” he said.
“For me, tomorrow’s match is the last one. I take it that way, and I’m going to give it my all so that it isn’t and so there can be more.
“It’s for both, no doubt. I imagine it would have been better to play it at night. But the schedules are what they are, and that’s it,” De Paul expressed.
Cape Verde emerged from their group with an unbeaten record after draws against Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, and Spain.
