Lionel Scaloni has urged Argentina not to take Cape Verde lightly ahead of their World Cup round of 32 meeting in Miami on 4 July, insisting the island nation represent a genuine threat despite the gulf in stature between the two sides.
Cape Verde made history in the group stage by becoming the smallest country by population ever to reach the knockout stage of a men’s World Cup, finishing second in Group H behind Spain and ahead of Saudi Arabia and two-time champions Uruguay. Their population of approximately 525,000 is smaller than every one of the 50 US states.
“Cape Verde didn’t surprise me, because it’s a good team,” Scaloni said after Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan on Saturday. “It’s a tough opponent, one that already made things difficult for Spain, one of the favourites, as well as for Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. It’s a fast team with quality.”
Argentina concluded the group stage unbeaten, topping Group J with nine points from wins over Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Giuliano Simeone, speaking after the Jordan victory, echoed his coach’s measured tone. “We always focus on ourselves, any opponent is tough. We have to try to do maximum damage to the opponent with our best weapons.”
Cape Verde have already surpassed the only nations smaller by population to have appeared at a World Cup. Curacao and Iceland both went out at the group stage in 2026 and 2018 respectively.
Lautaro Martinez was equally focused on what comes next. “We achieved the first goal, which is to advance to the next round, and now we’re going for more. Starting tomorrow, we’ll prepare for the match against Cape Verde.”
Argentina return to their base in Kansas City to train before travelling to Miami for the round of 32 tie.
