Argentina captain Lionel Messi celebrates

2026 FIFA World Cup (Round of 32):

  • Argentina 3-2 Cabo Verde (After extra-time)
  • Colombia 1-0 Ghana
  • Australia 1 (2) – 1 (4) Egypt
  • Switzerland 2-0 Algeria
  • Spain 3-0 Austria
  • Portugal 2-1 Croatia
  • Belgium 3-2 Senegal (After extra-time)
  • England 2-1 DR Congo
  • Mexico 2-0 Ecudaor
  • France 3-0 Sweden
  • Germany 1 (3) – 1 (4) Paraguay
  • Brazil 2-1 Japan
  • Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway
  • Morocco 1 (3) – 1 (2) Netherlands

Argentina marched to the round of 16 stage of the on-going 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The reigning world champions needed a 3-2 extra-time victory over debutants Cabo Verde in Miami during the round of 32.

Lionel Messi, Lisandro Martinez and Diney (own goal) led Argentina to a memorable hard-fought win.

Deroy Duarte and Sidny Lopes Cabral scored for resilient Cabo Verde.

Messi gave Argentina the lead with a goal on the stroke of the half hour mark.

Duarte equalized for Cabo Verde in the 59th minute as the normal time ended 1-all to push the game into the extra 30 minutes.

Martinez restored Argentina’s lead in the 92nd minute before Cabral got the equalized after 103 minutes.

Cabo Verde suffered a heart break when Diney diverted the goal into his net to spark celebrations for the reigning World Champions.

Lionel Messi with man of the match trophy, his third in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Messi was named man of the match as he reached the 7th goal of the championship.

Argentina will now face Egypt at the round of 16 stage on 7th July 2026 in Atlanta.

Meanwhile, Colombia eliminated another African side Ghana 1-0 in Kansas city courtesy of Jhon Arias’s goal on the quarter hour mark.

Colombia now face Switzerland on 7th July 2026 in Vancouver at the round of 16.

Switzerland had eliminated Algeria 2-0 in Vancouver.

Only two African countries will play at the round of 16; Morocco and Egypt.

David Isabirye is a senior staff writer for Kawowo Sports where he covers most of the major events.

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