Argentina scripts FIFA World Cup record with hard-fought win over Cape Verde

Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after edging past tournament debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in a dramatic extra-time contest at Hard Rock Stadium.

The reigning world champions were pushed to the limit before eventually sealing qualification, but the victory also saw Lionel Scaloni's side etch their name into FIFA World Cup history by setting a record no other nation has managed before.

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Argentina become first team to feature in 12 World Cup extra-time matches

Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Argentina in the 29th minute, registering his 20th FIFA World Cup goal before Cape Verde responded through Deroy Duarte shortly before the hour mark. Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina's lead early in extra time, only for Sidny Cabral to equalise once again for the spirited African nation.

The decisive moment arrived in the 111th minute when Diney Borges inadvertently turned Messi's corner into his own net, handing Argentina a hard-fought 3-2 victory. In the process, Argentina became the first nation in FIFA World Cup history to participate in 12 matches that have gone to extra time, moving ahead of both Germany and Italy, who had previously shared the record with 11 each.

The victory also marked Argentina's eighth consecutive FIFA World Cup win against African opposition since suffering a shock defeat to Cameroon in the opening match of the 1990 tournament.

Cape Verde exit with heads held high

Although Cape Verde's historic FIFA World Cup campaign came to an end, the debutants earned widespread praise for pushing the defending champions to the brink. The island nation had already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stage without losing a group-stage match, drawing against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to secure qualification.

Against Argentina, they once again demonstrated tremendous resilience, twice coming from behind before ultimately falling just short of one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history. Argentina will now continue their title defence in the Round of 16, where they are set to face Egypt following the Pharaohs' victory over Australia earlier in the day.

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While Cape Verde depart the tournament, their remarkable journey has ensured they leave FIFA World Cup 2026 as one of its biggest success stories.