Reigning champions Argentina needed an 111th-minute own goal to edge past Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time and secure their place in the World Cup last 16, ending a thrilling Round of 32 clash in Miami that saw the African debutants claim an unlikely draw before falling just short of a historic upset.

Lionel Messi extended his World Cup scoring record with his 20th tournament goal in the 62nd minute, but Cape Verde twice fought back to lead through Deroy Duarte’s 78th-minute strike and Sidny Lopes Cabral’s 103rd-minute volley. An own goal by Cape Verde’s Ryan Mendes in the 111th minute finally settled the contest, sending Argentina through to face either Spain or Portugal in the quarter-finals.

The match was played in front of a raucous crowd at Hard Rock Stadium, where Cape Verde’s supporters celebrated a campaign that transformed their nation from near-obscurity to global footballing fame. “Now, the whole world knows about Cabo Verde,” said Prieto Fernandes, a Cape Verdean fan who arrived in the United States 40 years ago. “We do everything with a big heart and it’s there for everyone to see.”

Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, emerged as the hero of Cape Verde’s campaign, making seven crucial saves against Spain in their opening match and earning praise from Messi himself. “I went to Messi after the game… he hugged me and told me, ‘You’re great, your people should be proud of you,’” Vozinha told Digi Sport. “To hear those words from someone like Leo Messi means so much to me.”

Cape Verde’s historic run, which included a goalless draw with European champions Spain, captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. “We are finally being seen,” said a supporter in Rotterdam, where Cape Verdean expatriates gathered to watch the match. “This is how you play football—with heart.”

The result leaves Argentina facing a daunting quarter-final against either Spain or Portugal, while Cape Verde return home as heroes of the tournament’s expanded 48-team format. “We fell on our feet,” said Vozinha in the mixed zone. “Such moments remain etched in your heart forever.”

The match also highlighted growing concerns over player abuse at the tournament. Global players’ union Fifpro condemned a “growing pattern of abuse” targeting players, including racist and discriminatory attacks both online and in person. “There has been intimidation and hostility beyond the pitch,” Fifpro said in a statement. “These incidents are not isolated; they point to a systemic pattern that cannot remain an accepted part of football or society.”

As the World Cup moves into the last 16, the drama of Cape Verde’s campaign serves as a reminder of football’s capacity to inspire, even in defeat. Their journey from obscurity to global recognition has left an indelible mark on the tournament, proving that in football, as in life, heart and determination can defy the odds.

Bluesky Threads

Source Intelligence

14 sources9 countries

Geographic Origin10 located

4 further sources not geolocated

Political Spectrum8 mapped

Articles

FIFA-Boss: Infantino begeistert von Topstars bei Fußball-WM Messi, Kane, Haaland, Mbappé, Dembelé, Ronaldo - sie alle treffen bei der WM. Einen freut das auch ganz besonders.

tagesspiegel · about 3 hours ago

Rubio criticizes World Cup red card for US striker Balogun US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday criticized the dismissal of forward Folarin Balogun during the United States 2-0 World Cup victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, telling reporters at the White House that the player had been "treated unfairly" and lamenting the absence of an appeals process for the decision.

yenisafak · about 3 hours ago

World Cup enters Round of 16 stage Paraguay, France, Canada, Brazil, Morocco, Norway, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, US, Belgium, England, Mexico, Switzerland, Colombia to compete for shot at quarterfinals

yenisafak · about 3 hours ago

CM 2026. Goalkeeperul Vozinha s-a dus direct la Messi după meci și nu i-a venit să creadă ce i-au auzit urechile: „Asta mi-a spus! Argentina a învins cu greu echipa din Capul Verde, scor 3-2 după 120 de minute, în 16-imile Cupei Mondiale, iar Mesi și portarul Vozinha au fost eroi, fiecare pentru echipa sa.

digi24 · about 3 hours ago

Inside Cape Verdes bittersweet World Cup exit: What Messi said to Pico, the ambassadors son and shots of Grogue The 42 gets an invitation to team hotel for night of reflection and celebration of powerful journey in the United States.

thejournal · about 3 hours ago

World Cup 2026: Cape Verde give Argentina mighty scare; last 16 begins amid Mexico v England fixture chaos – live

bluesky_The Guardian · about 3 hours ago

France to face Paraguay as World Cup last 16 gets under way France are bracing for furnace-like temperatures when they face Paraguay in Philadelphia in the World Cups last 16 on Saturday as co-hosts Canada prepare for a daunting date with African giants Morocco in Houston. With a brutal heatwave roasting swathes of the United States as it celebrates July 4th, Les Bleus take on Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field against a backdrop of extreme heat warnings.

france24 · about 3 hours ago

Brazil going out? Chris Sutton predicts World Cups last-16 matches BBC Sports football expert Chris Sutton gives his predictions for the last-16 ties at the 2026 World Cup, including England against Mexico.

bbc sport · about 3 hours ago

Lightning, hotel security and spying - issues England face in Mexico England are booed as they arrive at their Mexico City hotel to prepare for their World Cup last-16 game against Mexico - and its not the only issue they face.

bbc sport · about 3 hours ago

Ein Loblied auf die Fußballzwerge: Kap Verde zeigt, dass eine WM mit 48 Teams funktioniert Vor der WM wurde die Aufstockung von 32 auf 48 Teams gern kritisiert. Dabei liefern die Kleinen große Geschichten – nicht nur neben dem Platz, sondern auch sportlich.

tagesspiegel · about 3 hours ago

Englands iconic 2017 World Cup win in their own words Former captain Heather Knight, openers Tammy Beaumont and Lauren Winfield-Hill, plus key bowler Anya Shrubsole remember Englands iconic 2017 World Cup win.

bbc sport · about 3 hours ago

The City of Sarajevo Announces Official Welcoming Ceremony for the Dragons Returning from the FIFA World Cup The City of Sarajevo, led by Mayor Samir Avdić, intended to organize a welcoming ceremony for Bosnia and Herzegovinas national football team after their return from the World Cup, where they achieved historic success and one of the brightest moments in the countrys sporting history. The Mayor Samir Avdić and the City administration were in […] The post The City of Sarajevo Announces Official Welcoming Ceremony for the Dragons Returning from the FIFA World Cup appeared first on Sarajevo Times.

sarajevo times · about 3 hours ago

Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 to reach World Cup Round of 16 Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia at Toronto Stadium to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Goncalo Ramos netting a stoppage-time winner after Cristiano Ronaldo canceled out Ivan Perisics opener, though the match ended amid VAR controversy and crowd disorder.

yenisafak · about 3 hours ago

Türkiye rally past France to reach U17 World Cup semis Hosts Türkiye overcame a six-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat France 94-87 and advance to the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup semifinals. Ömer Kutluay and Darius Karutasu led the comeback, with Türkiye set to face Serbia next.

yenisafak · about 3 hours ago

Why Europes top clubs are eyeing Moroccos teenage sensation Bouaddi After lighting up the 2022 World Cup Morocco are once again shining on the global stage - but this time they have teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi in their ranks.

bbc sport · about 3 hours ago

El beso viral de Messi a la periodista Sofi Martínez tras la victoria de Argentina ante Cabo Verde El gesto de Leo Messi con la periodista argentina Sofi Martínez después del pase a octavos del Mundial 2026 se ha convertido en una de las imágenes más comentadas de las redes sociales

la vanguardia · about 3 hours ago

Vozinha contra Messi, el gol de una vida de Lopes Cabral y la leyenda de Cabo Verde: "Espero que mi abuela, allá donde esté, esté orgullosa" El portero voló para salvar los goles del argentino, el lateral marcó el tanto del Mundial y la selección africana peleó hasta el minuto 120: "Caímos de pie", admitió Vozinha en la zona mixta. Leer

elmundo · about 3 hours ago

Cape Verde fans overjoyed with teams World Cup run despite Argentina loss Tiny island nations colossal performance against reigning world champions leaves supporters feeling incredibly proud.

aljazeera · about 3 hours ago

Cape Verde fans stand proud despite Argentina defeat Cape Verde supporters expressed pride in their teams historic World Cup campaign despite a 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina.

euronews · about 3 hours ago

Mundial 2026. "Nunca vi Cabo Verde tão unido" Odair Santos, jornalista da televisão de Cabo-Verde, refere que, apesar da derrota com a Argentina, os cabo-verdianos celebraram intensamente durante a madrugada e que o país nunca esteve tão unido.

observador · about 3 hours ago

Cuidado com o tubarão, Argentina! Não pegou, fica o aviso Aeroporto em Cabo Verde está preparado para o mar de gente que vai receber esta seleção? Enquanto a Argentina treme, França e Marrocos tentam responder ao favoritismo. Diogo Costa a caminho do PSG?

observador · about 3 hours ago

Fußball-WM: Frankreich bis England: So packten große Teams den Umbruch Vom französischen Eklat bis zum englischen Elfer-Wunder: Wie große Fußballnationen nach Krisen zurück an die Spitze fanden – und was Deutschland daraus lernen könnte.

tagesspiegel · about 3 hours ago

Argentina see off spirited Cape Verde to qualify for World Cup last 16 The reigning World Cup champions were pushed all the way by an impressive Cape Verde team in their Round of 32 clash, needing an own goal in extra-time to emerge 3-2 victors. Lionel Messi scored the 20th World Cup goal of his career.

france24 · about 3 hours ago

Canada vs Morocco LIVE: FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 Live coverage and text updates as cohosts Canada play Morocco in the round of 16 knockout stage.

aljazeera · about 3 hours ago

In spotlight but shunning limelight - Olises unique rise to top A footballer who dislikes too much media attention, but Michael Olise might not have much choice if he carries on his World Cup heroics.

bbc sport · about 3 hours ago

Cabo Verde, Nôs ta sinti orgulhu A Argentina teve de suar durante 120 minutos para eliminar Cabo Verde. Sidny marcou um dos melhores golos e Messi brilha. Gana de Queiroz cai frente à Colômbia, Egito sorri. Começam hoje os oitavos.

observador · about 3 hours ago

Eight of the 10 most populous countries are not in the World Cup Many countries with massive populations consistently miss out on footballs biggest party. What can they do to change their sporting fortunes?

bbc sport · about 3 hours ago

Chilavert says Paraguay will face a squad from Africa when playing France Former Paraguayan goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert said Paraguay would face a squad from Africa when they take on France in the World Cup round of 16 in Philadelphia on Saturday. The 60-year-old posted a screenshot on social media of comments he attributed to former French forward Christophe Dugarry saying Paraguay would get hammered by France […]

cyprus mail · about 3 hours ago

Brazil face Haaland and Norway hoodoo in World Cup last 16 Brazil have spent decades collecting World Cup wins like precious stones but on Sunday in New Jersey they run into opponents who stubbornly refuse to join the pile – Norway. The record five-times champions, chasing a sixth title, face Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard and a Norwegian side who are the only team Brazil have played […]

cyprus mail · about 3 hours ago

England face Mexico in Azteca fortress, returning to scene of Maradona handball Thomas Tuchels stuttering England are an ideal target for co-hosts Mexico as they seek a prestigious World Cup win in their final game at the near-impregnable Azteca stadium, the scene of the infamous Maradona handball that still haunts the Three Lions decades later.

france24 · about 3 hours ago