The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 witnessed one of the greatest near-upsets in football history after debutants Cabo Verde left everything on the pitch, forcing the defending champions, Argentina, into deep extra time before succumbing to a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat.
Representing an island nation of just 500,000 people, Cabo Verde arrived in Florida as massive underdogs against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
The narrative seemed to follow the script early on when Lionel Messi fired past 40-year-old veteran keeper Vozinha in the 29th minute to give Argentina the lead.
However, Cabo Verde refused to fold. In the 59th minute, Deroy Duarte capitalised on a brilliant pass from Ryan Mendes, slotting it past Emiliano Martínez to equalise.
Heroic saves from Vozinha kept the world champions frustrated, sending the game into extra time. Argentina struck quickly in the 92nd minute when Lisandro Martínez scored from close range.
Yet again, Cabo Verde clawed their way back. Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a moment of magic in the 103rd minute, dancing through the Argentine defense before rifling a stunning shot into the top corner.
The fairytale came to a crushing end in the 111th minute. A cruel deflection resulted in an own goal by Diney, finally breaking the Blue Sharks’ resistance and sending Argentina through to the Round of 16. Despite the exit, Cabo Verde earned a standing ovation from both fans and opponents alike.
In related development, Egypt made history by securing their first-ever World Cup knockout stage victory. Emam Ashour put the Pharaohs ahead in the first half. Despite a 55th-minute own goal by Mohamed Hany that forced the game into extra time and penalties, Egypt held their nerve to win the shootout 4-2. They now advance to the Round of 16, where they will face Argentina.
Also, Ghana’s World Cup journey ended in narrow frustration at the Kansas City Stadium. The Black Stars conceded an early 14th-minute goal to Colombia’s Jhon Arias.
Despite mounting heavy pressure in the second half, Ghana couldn’t breach the Colombian defense, joining the growing list of narrow one-goal exits for African teams in the Round of 32.
While the continent has shown immense growth, the margins at this level remain razor-thin. A total of seven African teams have now bowed out during the Round of 32:
- Cabo Verde (3-2 vs Argentina)
- Ghana (1-0 vs Colombia)
- Senegal (3-2 vs Belgium)
- Ivory Coast (2-1 vs Norway)
- DR Congo (2-1 vs England)
- Algeria (2-0 vs Switzerland)
- South Africa (1-0 vs Canada)
