Cape Verde’s 3-2 loss to Argentina ends African hopes at 2026 World Cup

Cape Verde’s fairytale run at the 2026 World Cup ended with a 3-2 extra‑time loss to Argentina in the last‑32 stage. Lionel Messi opened the scoring with his seventh goal of the tournament, putting the holders ahead early. Deroy Duarte levelled for Cape Verde shortly after halftime, but Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead in extra time. Sidny Lopes Cabral curled in a stunning equaliser, forcing the game into a second extra period where Argentina secured the winner. The defeat makes Cape Verde the seventh African nation knocked out, joining Tunisia, South Africa, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria and DR Congo on the sidelines. Only two African sides remain in the Round of 16, keeping continental hopes alive for a deep run. With just two teams left, which side do you think can make a deep run, and what changes would improve Africa’s World Cup prospects? Other reports confirm which two African nations have advanced to the next round.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/04/2026-world-cup-seven-african-teams-eliminated-from-tournament/