Cape Verde national football team coach Bubister has declared that his side will approach their 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 clash against defending champions Argentina with the correct mindset. The West African nation qualified for the knockout stage in their debut appearance after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia on Friday, becoming the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup knockouts.
Historic achievement for Cape Verde
Cape Verde finished second in Group H with three points, remaining undefeated in a group that included Spain and Uruguay. The team has been drawn against holders Argentina in the round of 32, scheduled for Friday 3 July at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Speaking after the 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia, Coach Bubister admitted the achievement was surprising. “It’s a bit of a shock, although we’d always had it in mind that we might reach this stage after the first two matches,” Bubista said. “We told the players they had to work hard and have confidence because the reward would come. And here we are. The people of Cape Verde should be proud of what this team has done so far. It’s something incredible,” he added.
Facing Argentina and Messi
For Bubister and his squad, facing Lionel Messi’s Argentina is an honour, but he stressed that his team will maintain their identity. “They have Messi, who needs no introduction. We represent our island, but we also represent Africa. It’s a source of immense pride,” he said. “We’ll play our game with the right attitude and a sense of responsibility, but also with our own personality and character.”
According to Reuters and NAN, the match will take place on 3 July. Cape Verde’s historic run has captured global attention, as the island nation becomes the smallest to ever advance past the group stage of the World Cup.
