Cape Verde Coach: We'll Face Argentina with the Right Attitude at the 2026 World Cup

Coach Bubista of the Cape Verde national football team said his side will face the defending champions Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage with the proper mindset.

The team reached the knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in their first appearance, following a 0‑0 draw with Saudi Arabia on Friday, making them the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup knockouts.

Cape Verde finished second in Group H with three points, remaining unbeaten in a group that included Spain and Uruguay. They are drawn to face the holders, Spain, in the round of 32.

After the 0‑0 draw with Saudi Arabia, Coach Bubista admitted that the result was somewhat surprising.

“It’s a bit of a shock, although we’d always had it in mind that we might reach this stage after the first two matches,” Bubista said.

“We told the players they had to work hard and have confidence because the reward would come. And here we are. The people of Cape Verde should be proud of what this team has done so far. It’s something incredible,” he added.

Playing a Lionel Messi‑led Argentina is an honour for Bubista and his players, but he said they will face the match with the right attitude and preserve their character.

“They have Messi, who needs no introduction. We represent our island, but we also represent Africa. It’s a source of immense pride,”

“We’ll play our game with the right attitude and a sense of responsibility but also with our own personality and character.”

NAN reports that Cape Verde will face the defending champions Argentina in the round of 32 on Friday, July 3, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. (Reuters/NAN