Argentina vs Cabo Verde Lineups, Starting 11, Bench & Formation
(Miami)
Argentina 4-4-2GK
RB
CB
CB
LB
CM
CM
CM
LW
ST
ST
Cabo Verde 4-1-4-1GK
RB
CB
CB
LB
CDM
RW
CM
CM
LW
ST
Argentina BenchGK
CB
LB
CDM
CM
ST
CAM
Cabo Verde BenchGK
LB
RB
CM
LW
RW
ST
Lionel Scaloni
Argentina manager. Nationality: Argentina. Scaloni can restore key starters, use a 4-4-2, and let Messi connect with Lautaro near the box.
Bubista
Cabo Verde manager. Nationality: Cabo Verde. Bubista can keep a compact 4-1-4-1, protect Kevin Pina, and attack through Mendes and Rodrigues.
Argentina national football team vs Cabo Verde national football team lineups are being tracked as projected lineups for the World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match in Miami. Official starting XIs are yet to be confirmed, so this lineup desk uses FIFA match data, current team-news signals, and trusted predicted-lineup reports.
Argentina enter after a perfect group-stage run, while Cabo Verde made tournament history by reaching the knockouts in their World Cup debut. The tactical question is whether Cabo Verde can hold their compact block long enough to frustrate Messi and Lautaro Martinez.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Argentina vs Cabo Verde |
| Stage | World Cup 2026 Round of 32 |
| Match Number | 89 |
| Date | 3 July 2026 |
| Kickoff | 6:00 PM ET / 22:00 UTC |
| Venue | Miami Stadium, Miami |
| Lineup Status | Projected, official teams yet to be confirmed |
Team News and Lineup Preview
The Argentina national football team vs Cabo Verde national football team lineups picture should become official close to kickoff, once both teams release match sheets. Argentina can restore several rested starters, while Cabo Verde should lean on the defensive shape that helped them draw with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
Argentina vs Cabo Verde Lineups – Argentina Team News
Argentina are projected to use a 4-4-2 shape. Racing Post expects Romero and De Paul to return, with Messi and Lautaro Martinez leading the attack after Scaloni rotated players against Jordan.
Argentina vs Cabo Verde Lineups – Cabo Verde Team News
Cabo Verde are projected to use a 4-1-4-1 shape. Racing Post reports Sidny Cabral should return after suspension, while Jovane Cabral remains a doubt because of a knock.
What Could Change Before Kickoff
Argentina could start Julian Alvarez instead of Lautaro Martinez if Scaloni wants more pressing speed around Messi. Otamendi, Tagliafico, Lo Celso, and Paredes also give Argentina experienced changes if Scaloni wants a more controlled setup.
Cabo Verde could make the left-back change around Sidny Cabral, or use Helio Varela if they need more counter-attacking pace. Their final shape depends on whether Bubista wants pure resistance or more support for Livramento.
Argentina vs Cabo Verde Lineups Status
The lineups are projected, not confirmed. FWC Times will update the starting XI, substitutes, formations, and tactical notes once official match sheets are released by both teams.
Argentina Starting XI
Argentina’s projected XI starts with Emiliano Martinez behind Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Medina. That back four gives Scaloni speed, aggression, and enough cover against Cabo Verde counters.
De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, and Almada should give Argentina midfield control. Messi and Lautaro Martinez can then combine around the box, with Messi dropping deeper to pull Cabo Verde out of shape.
Cabo Verde Starting XI
Cabo Verde’s projected XI starts with Vozinha behind Moreira, Lopes, Borges, and Sidny Cabral. That defensive line needs compact distances because Argentina can overload central spaces quickly.
Kevin Pina should screen the defence, with Mendes, Duarte, Monteiro, and Rodrigues protecting midfield lanes. Livramento gives Cabo Verde a direct outlet when they clear pressure and look for counters.
Formation Analysis
Argentina’s 4-4-2 can become a 3-2-5 when Molina advances and De Paul supports Messi between lines. That shape can pin Cabo Verde deep if Argentina keep the ball moving early.
Cabo Verde’s 4-1-4-1 should stay narrow and force Argentina wide. If Kevin Pina wins second balls, Cabo Verde can push Mendes or Rodrigues into transition before Argentina reset.
Key Players in the Starting Lineup
Messi remains Argentina’s key player because he can receive in tight pockets and finish with limited space. De Paul also matters because his service from midfield can break a compact block early.
Vozinha and Kevin Pina are central to Cabo Verde’s chance of staying in the match. Vozinha must manage pressure, while Pina needs to block passes into Messi and Lautaro Martinez.
Bench Strength Comparison
Argentina have clear bench depth with Alvarez, Lo Celso, Paredes, Otamendi, Tagliafico, and Nico Paz. Scaloni can change the front line or add midfield control without weakening the team structure.
Cabo Verde have fewer proven options, but Helio Varela, Semedo, Benchimol, and Joao Paulo can add fresh running. Bubista may need those changes if Argentina force long defensive spells.
Head Coaches – Tactical Approach
Scaloni should ask Argentina to score early without losing rest defence. Argentina can dominate territory, but they still need clean counter-pressure when Cabo Verde clear into wide channels.
Bubista should keep Cabo Verde compact and patient. Their best route is to survive the first pressure wave, slow Argentina through fouls and restarts, and attack corners or loose second balls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Argentina vs Cabo Verde lineups confirmed?
No. Official Argentina vs Cabo Verde lineups are yet to be confirmed.
What formation could Argentina use?
Argentina are projected to use a 4-4-2 shape with Messi and Lautaro Martinez up front.
What formation could Cabo Verde use?
Cabo Verde are projected to use a 4-1-4-1 shape with Kevin Pina screening midfield.
Is Sidny Cabral available for Cabo Verde?
Sidny Cabral is expected to return after suspension, based on Racing Post team news.
When will official lineups be released?
Official starting XIs are usually released around one hour before kickoff.
Argentina vs Cabo Verde should test discipline against elite attacking quality. Argentina have the deeper squad and stronger attacking patterns, while Cabo Verde have a compact shape and a historic underdog role.
Official team sheets will decide the final tactical picture. FWC Times will update this lineup tracker when confirmed XIs arrive before kickoff.
