Cape Verde Coach Sends Bold Warning to Argentina Ahead of World Cup Showdown

Cape Verde head coach Bubista has expressed confidence that his team can produce another major upset when they take on defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday in Miami.

The Blue Sharks have emerged as one of the biggest surprise packages of the tournament, enjoying a dream debut at football’s biggest competition. Against expectations, the African nation progressed from a difficult group after earning an impressive draw against Spain before stunning Uruguay in the previous round to secure a historic place in the knockout stage.

Their remarkable run has earned widespread admiration, but an even bigger challenge now awaits as they prepare to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina, one of the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy once again.

Argentina cruised through the group stage with a series of commanding performances and enter the clash with momentum firmly on their side. However, Bubista insists his players are not intimidated by the stature of their opponents and are determined to continue writing history.

Speaking to FIFA.com ahead of the encounter, the Cape Verde manager described reaching the knockout rounds as another landmark achievement for his country.

“We’re ecstatic. Reaching the knockout phase means making history yet again,” Bubista said.

Looking ahead to the clash with the South American giants, he maintained that football has repeatedly shown that surprises are always possible.

“Now we get to play against Argentina. In football, anything can happen. We’ll show them the same respect we’ve shown every opponent, but we’ll compete,” he said.

The coach stressed that while his players are enjoying the unforgettable experience of participating in the World Cup, they will set emotions aside once the match begins.

“We’re living a dream, but once we step onto the pitch we can’t see faces. We’ll approach this game exactly as we did against Spain or any other team,” he added.

Bubista also admitted that facing Argentina captain Lionel Messi is a moment his players will cherish, describing the opportunity to play against the legendary forward as a privilege.

“For us, it’s a huge privilege to face the player many consider the greatest of all time,” he said.

The Cape Verde coach ended on a confident note, suggesting that while Argentina will have Messi wearing the famous No. 10 shirt, his own team will be inspired by the unity and resilience represented by the country’s ten islands.

“Will it be the No. 10 against our ten islands? Of course. But we’ll continue to play with character, discipline and our own identity.”

Friday’s encounter presents Cape Verde with another opportunity to extend what has already become one of the most remarkable stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Argentina will start as overwhelming favourites, the Blue Sharks are hoping their fearless approach and fighting spirit can help them pull off yet another memorable upset on the global stage.