Argentina, the reigning world champions, have secured their place in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
They will face Cape Verde in Miami on Friday, July 3.
>>> Guardians Edge Mariners 4-3 as Seattle's Offensive Woes Continue
The matchup was confirmed after Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 and Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. Those results locked Cape Verde into second place in Group H.
Cape Verde is the smallest nation ever to advance past the World Cup group stage.
Argentina topped Group J with dominant performances led by Lionel Messi.
They opened with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, where Messi scored a hat trick, followed by a 2-0 win against Austria in Dallas, with Messi scoring twice.
With the top spot already secured, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni plans to rest regular starters in the final group match against Jordan.
>>> Emiliano Vargas vs. Bryce Mills: Brooklyn Super Lightweight Showdown
He will give playing time to substitutes who have not featured frequently in the tournament.
This will be the ninth time Argentina faces an African opponent in World Cup history. However, it is their first meeting in a direct elimination knockout round.
Argentina has a strong record against African teams, with seven wins and one loss, scoring 14 goals and conceding five.
Their only defeat came in the opening match of the 1990 World Cup, a 0-1 loss to Cameroon.
Other notable group stage encounters include a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in 2006 and five matches against Nigeria.
>>> David Peterson Wins Cubs Debut as Chicago Defeats Brewers 8-2
Argentina defeated Nigeria in 1994, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018.
