World Cup 2026: Cape Verde president issues a challenge to Messi and Argentina

03.07.26 AET World Cup

Argentina

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Cabo Verde

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Underdogs of this 2026 World Cup, Cape Verde are gearing up to take on Argentina with unbridled ambition and unwavering confidence.

For their first-ever World Cup appearance, Cape Verde have defied all odds to reach the round of 16. The Blue Sharks finished second in Group H with three points from three matches, making them, alongside Morocco, the second African team still unbeaten in this tournament. The Atlas Lions, meanwhile, knocked out the Netherlands to secure their spot in the last sixteen.

See also: World Cup 2026: Algeria ahead of Argentina and Germany in this ranking

Now, Cape Verde are set to face Lionel Messi's Argentina, one of the tournament's most formidable teams alongside France. Yet, the president of the Blue Sharks remains confident, as he explained to the BBC:

"I think we can beat Argentina 1-0. We play to win... When expectations are low for a team, and if that team has the will to win, anything is possible. A small country like Cape Verde should always strive to do just that: constantly surprise people. This team has 100% confidence, 100% hope, and they will fight until the end. So we have a 100% chance of beating Argentina. We came to this World Cup to write our own destiny, to face the champions," José Maria Neves told the BBC.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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