Argentina are through to the Round of 16: on 3 July 2026 the defending champions beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in their Round of 32 tie at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Group J winners Argentina saw off the Group H runners-up, Cape Verde, to advance, and now meet Egypt on 7 July 2026 in Atlanta.
How Argentina Reached the Round of 16
At the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Round of 32 ran on a fixed bracket: Group J’s top two finishers paired directly with Group H. See our guide to how the Round of 32 format works.
Argentina won Group J. They opened with a 3-0 win over Algeria at the World Cup on 16 June, sealed by a Lionel Messi hat-trick, then beat Austria 2-0 on 22 June, with Messi scoring both to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
As Group J winners, Argentina faced the Group H runners-up, Cape Verde, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 3 July, and won 3-2 after extra time to reach the Round of 16.
Our full Group J fixtures and standings, plus the Argentina match schedule at the World Cup, carry the rest.
| Round of 32 Fixture | Details |
|---|---|
| Result | Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (after extra time) |
| Argentina’s finish | Group J winners |
| Date | 3 July 2026 |
| Venue | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
The Team They Beat
Argentina’s opponent came from Group H, one of the tournament’s toughest. Spain won the group, leaving Cape Verde as runners-up.
Cape Verde are World Cup debutants who held Spain to a goalless draw in the group stage. Argentina had never met Cape Verde at a World Cup, so this Round of 32 tie was new ground for the defending champions.
The Matchup
Argentina won Group J, which sent them to the Group H runners-up, Cape Verde, in Miami on 3 July. There was no soft landing for the defending champions in a single knockout match, but they edged it 3-2 after extra time. With the win, Argentina advance to the Round of 16, where they meet Egypt on 7 July 2026 in Atlanta.
Travelling fans can grab an official Argentina World Cup jersey, then book hotels in Miami near Hard Rock Stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Argentina play in the Round of 32?
Cape Verde. Argentina won Group J and beat the Group H runners-up 3-2 after extra time at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 3 July 2026 to reach the Round of 16.
Where and when was Argentina’s Round of 32 match?
It took place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 3 July 2026, where Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time.
Who do Argentina face in the Round of 16?
Egypt. Argentina’s Round of 16 tie is on 7 July 2026 in Atlanta.
Sources
- FIFA: World Cup 2026 Group Stage Permutations
- ESPN: 2026 World Cup Match Schedule and Bracket
- 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J
- 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H
- Sky Sports: World Cup 2026 Group H Guide
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