Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has warned his players against taking Cabo Verde lightly ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash, insisting the tournament debutants have earned their place in the knockout stage.
Speaking before the match at Miami Stadium, Scaloni praised Cabo Verde’s discipline and resilience, saying the African side would pose a serious challenge despite Argentina entering the fixture as defending champions.
Scaloni Urges Respect For Cabo Verde
Argentina topped Group J with a flawless record, winning all three matches while scoring eight goals and conceding just once.
Cabo Verde, meanwhile, qualified as runners-up from Group H after remaining unbeaten with:
- 0-0 draw against Spain
- 2-2 draw against Uruguay
- 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia
Scaloni said Argentina cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
“We are excited like everyone else, but there is an opponent that we have to face, we have to respect, an opponent that has done very well.”
“The margin is now narrowing. I think it’s not going to be easy. That’s the reality.”
‘They Are Not Here By Chance’
The Argentina boss highlighted Cabo Verde’s defensive organisation and ability to launch dangerous counter-attacks, rejecting any suggestion that the newcomers had reached the knockout stage by luck.
“It is a team that has not lost. Even in some matches they deserved more. Against Saudi Arabia, I think they deserved to win.”
“Against Spain and Uruguay, maybe they suffered a little more, but they defended well.”
Scaloni added that Cabo Verde are effective at closing central passing lanes before breaking quickly on the counter.
“They block the interior pass well and then come out very well on the counterattack. They want to play well. They are not there by chance, we have to respect them and that’s what we’ll do.”
Rodrigo De Paul: ‘Every Match Is Like A Final’
Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul echoed his coach’s sentiments, insisting Argentina would approach the knockout game with maximum intensity.
“We have to face tomorrow’s match with a lot of responsibility. It’s very important for us.”
The World Cup winner said he treats every Argentina match as though it could be his last.
“For me, tomorrow’s match is the last one. I take it that way and I’m going to give it my all so that it isn’t and so there can be more.”
Heat Could Be A Factor
Kick-off is expected to take place in temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, but Scaloni dismissed concerns over the weather.
“It’s for both teams, no doubt. I imagine it would have been better to play at night. But the schedules are what they are.”
Argentina will look to continue their title defence, while Cabo Verde aim to script one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026.