Drew Fischer will be the match official during Argentina’s knockout-stage debut against Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup. Fischer is Canadian and referees in Major League Soccer (MLS). Fischer has officiated two games so far at the 2026 World Cup: France’s 3-0 win over Iraq and Croatia’s 2-1 victory over Ghana.

Across his two appearances in the 2026 World Cup, Fischer has shown only three yellow cards and hasn’t sent any player off. Perhaps that’s only happenstance, or it might say something about how he goes about his work on the pitch.

Officiating crew for Argentina vs Cape Verde

Drew Fischer will be joined by fellow countrymen assistant referees Michael Barwegen and Lyes Arfa from the touchlines. Mexican female referee Katia Itzel Garcia will be the fourth official, while Sandra Ramirez will be the reserve assistant referee.

In the VAR booth, U.S. referee Armando Villarreal will be joined by assistant VAR (AVAR) Ivan Bebek and support VAR (SVAR) Tatiana Guzman. All in all, it will be a mostly North American crew, with representatives from the three co-hosts at the helm.

• Referee: Drew Fischer (Canada)
• Assistant Referee 1: Michael Barwegen (Canada)
• Assistant Referee 2: Lyes Arfa (Canada)
• Fourth Official: Katia Itzel Garcia (Mexico)
• Reserve Assistant Referee: Sandra Ramirez (Mexico)
• VAR: Armando Villarreal (USA)
• AVAR: Ivan Bebek (Croatia)
• SVAR: Tatiana Guzman (Nicaragua)

Fischer knows Messi from MLS

According to WhoScored, Fischer has officiated three Inter Miami games in the last year. Fortunately for Argentina, Messi’s Herons prevailed in all three. Messi has scored two goals and assisted six others in those outings. Moreover, Messi was never booked by Fischer. However, fellow Argentinian and Inter Miami star Rodrigo De Paul has been in Fischer’s crosshairs.

In two of the three Inter Miami games Fischer officiated, he booked De Paul. Perhaps history will repeat itself when Fischer officiates the Round of 32 matchup between Argentina and Cape Verde at Miami Stadium. In fact, both times De Paul was shown a yellow card by Fischer, it came in games in Florida.

France’s recent victory over Sweden moved Les Bleus into sole leadership of the FIFA rankings, pushing Argentina into second place, albeit with a game in hand. La Albiceleste currently hold 1,907.40 points, a total that could increase if they secure qualification.

Cape Verde’s position in the rankings is significantly lower. The Blue Sharks sit 64th, and any result other than a defeat would likely go down in the country’s soccer history.

Argentina’s unbeaten run

Argentina enjoyed a flawless and undefeated group stage campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing the top spot in Group J with three consecutive victories. The Albiceleste kicked off their tournament with a commanding 3–0 win over Algeria, followed by a solid 2–0 victory against Austria.

They wrapped up the opening stage by comfortably defeating Jordan 3–1, showcasing a dominant form as they head into the knockout rounds.

What awaits Argentina in a potential Round of 16?

Argentina are the clear favorite against Cape Verde, but they will need to back that up on the pitch. If they secure qualification, they will face the winner of Egypt vs. Australia next Tuesday, July 7, at Atlanta Stadium.

After cruising through the group stage with three straight wins, the reigning world champions now head to Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) in Florida, one of the tournament’s marquee venues, for their first elimination match.

Miami has become one of the focal points of the 2026 World Cup, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric as Lionel Messi and Argentina look to continue their title defense against the biggest surprise package.

How many fans can Miami Stadium hold?

Miami Stadium, the official FIFA name for Hard Rock Stadium during the 2026 World Cup, has a seating capacity of 64,091 fans. The venue is one of the tournament’s premier stadiums and will host Argentina’s Round of 32 clash.

The stadium is best known as the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. It hosted matches during the 2024 Copa América and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup before being selected as one of the 16 venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In total, Miami Stadium is scheduled to host seven matches throughout the tournament, including four group-stage games, one Round of 32 matchup, one quarterfinal and the third-place playoff.

Where can fans watch Argentina vs Cape Verde today?

Fans in the United States can watch Argentina vs. Cape Verde live on FOX and Telemundo, with streaming available through Fubo and the FOX Sports app for eligible subscribers. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM ET.

The match is one of the headline fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, as defending champion Argentina begins its knockout-stage campaign against a Cape Verde side making history in its first-ever World Cup appearance.

Fans who cannot watch the match on television can also follow live updates, play-by-play coverage, statistics and postgame highlights through FIFA’s official Match Centre and major sports outlets such as ESPN and FOX Sports.

Simply reaching the World Cup was a landmark achievement for a country of roughly 500,000 people. Going on to survive the group stage has ensured that this generation of players and the coaching staff will forever be remembered as pioneers of Cape Verdean soccer.

Regardless of what happens next during the knockout stages facing Lionel Messi and Argentina, the 2026 World Cup will stand as the greatest accomplishment in the history of the national team.

What’s the best performance of Cape Verde in World Cup history?

The furthest Cape Verde have ever reached at a World Cup is the Round of 32. The 2026 edition marked the nation’s first appearance at the tournament, making every victory, point, and milestone part of a historic campaign.

What’s Cape Verde record at the 2026 World Cup?

Cape Verde emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 World Cup by finishing second in Group H. The African side earned three impressive draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia to secure a place in the knockout stage, proving they could compete with far more established soccer nations. Those performances turned Cape Verde into one of the tournament’s breakout teams.

What’s Cape Verde’s history before the World Cup?

Cape Verde’s rise did not begin in 2026. The team had already shown significant progress by reaching the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, matching their best-ever finish at the continental tournament after also reaching the last eight in 2013. Even so, few expected the Blue Sharks to make such an immediate impact on soccer’s biggest stage.

2026 World Cup: What’s the size of Cape Verde?

Cape Verde’s success is even more impressive when considering the country’s size. The island nation covers just over 4,000 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 500,000 people.

For a nation of that scale to reach the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup is a remarkable achievement and one of the greatest underdog stories of the 2026 tournament.

Even though Cape Verde’s FIFA ranking is nothing for the reigning world champions to be terrified of, Argentina should at least be wary of a potentially colossal misstep. To be safe, Messi and company must leave no doubts and defeat Cape Verde, one of the Cinderella teams at the 2026 World Cup. The Round of 32 matchup between Argentina and Cape Verde will be played in Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), and the host city couldn’t have been any more fitting.

In a perfect analogy, Messi and Argentina are set for a dip in the saltwater beaches of Magic City. However, they must keep an eye out for the jaws—more specifically, the Blue Sharks. Fans in attendance at Miami Stadium have paid ludicrous prices to watch Messi and the world champions, but they may witness FIFA World Cup history instead. That’s how much is at stake so the game’s referee Drew Fischer will have his hands full.

What happens if Argentina win vs. Cape Verde?

If Argentina defeat Cape Verde in the Round of 32, they will advance to the next phase of the 2026 World Cup’s knockout stage. Argentina would move on to the Round of 16, where they will face either Australia or Egypt.

When La Albiceleste take to the pitch in the 305, they will already know who their next opponent will be, as well as when and where the game will be played. Argentina’s Round of 16 matchup will be held at Atlanta Stadium on July 7.

As for Cape Verde, they will be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup with a loss at the hands of Argentina. Though deflating, a loss at the Round of 32 would still be the furthest Cape Verde have gone at a World Cup.

What happens if Argentina and Cape Verde tie?

In the event of a draw in regulation time, the game will head to extra time, which is 30 minutes long, to decide who moves on in the 2026 World Cup. Overtime is played in two halves of 15 minutes, and there is no golden goal rule at the World Cup, so the full half-hour must be played to decide a winner.

If neither team can break through in extra time, the game will be decided through a penalty shootout. Whether it’s through extra time or from the penalty spot, the winner will go on to play Australia or Egypt in the Round of 16, whereas the loser will be eliminated and homeward.

Contrary to the group stage, there can’t be any ties in the knockout stage. One team must advance, and by the same token, one must fall.

What happens if Argentina lose vs. Cape Verde?

Against all odds and in devastating fashion, Argentina would be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup with a loss against Cape Verde. Messi and La Albiceleste’s back-to-back dream will come crashing down like a house of cards, and it will be Cape Verde who advance to the Round of 16 to take on Australia or Egypt.

For Messi, it would be only the second time he and his national team are eliminated from a World Cup without winning a knockout-stage game. It previously happened at the 2018 World Cup, when La Albiceleste were bounced in the Round of 16 by France, who would go on to win the title. This time, however, it would be completely different, as Argentina are World Cup favorites.

Argentina’s last three games at 2026 World Cup

• 3-0 win vs. Algeria
• 2-0 win vs. Austria
• 3-1 win vs. Jordan

Cape Verde’s form

• 0-0 tie vs. Spain
• 2-2 tie vs. Uruguay
• 0-0 tie vs. Saudi Arabia

With a total of 1,402.97 points and having climbed three places after qualifying for the Round of 32, the Blue Sharks sit 64th in the rankings. Meanwhile, Argentina are currently ranked second by FIFA, temporarily displaced from the top spot by France.

Ranking differences are often set aside once the ball starts rolling, and today Miami will be the stage for Argentina vs. Cape Verde. Can the African side pull off an upset and secure a place in the Round of 16?

Cape Verde aim to make history

Cape Verde are experiencing a dream moment in their soccer history. The team, led by coach Pedro Leitao Brito, also known as Bubista, is not only making its first-ever World Cup appearance but has also managed to advance beyond the group stage without being defeated.

After draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, the Blue Sharks advanced as runners-up in Group H and now aim to pull off a major upset by eliminating the reigning world champions. This is already the furthest Cape Verde have gone at a World Cup.

Cape Verde’s potential Round of 16 scenario

It will be difficult—no one denies that. But Cape Verde’s dream of continuing their World Cup journey, and extend their tournament run even further, remains intact. If they manage to get past Argentina, the African side would face the winner of Egypt vs. Australia next Tuesday, July 7, in Atlanta.

How to watch Argentina vs Cape Verde in the USA

Fans in the United States can catch every minute live on FOX and Telemundo with most cable or satellite TV services.

Streaming options include Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, and Peacock Premium, so be sure to tune in and watch every moment.

Can I watch Argentina vs Cape Verde for free?

U.S. fans can watch this matchup live on Fubo and DirecTV Stream, with both services offering eligible new users a free five-day trial.

Available nationwide, both services provide full match coverage from kickoff to the final whistle.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Argentina begin their knockout-stage run after sweeping the group stage with three straight victories to finish first in their group. Led by Lionel Messi, the defending World Cup champions now meet surprise package Cape Verde in the Round of 32.

The African side earned a historic place in the knockout rounds after finishing second in a tough group featuring Spain and Uruguay, with goalkeeper Vozinha playing a key role. Argentina will look to keep its title defense alive, while Cape Verde hopes to deliver another stunning upset.

Argentina vs Cape Verde: Predicted Lineups

Argentina (4-3-3): E. Martinez; Molina, C. Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, E. Fernandez; Messi, L. Martinez, Alvarez,

Cape Verde (4-4-2): Vozinha; S. Moreira, R. Lopes, L. Costa, Stopira; G. Rodrigues, J. Monteiro, J. Paulo, J. Cabral; R. Mendes, D. Livramento.

What time is the Argentina vs Cape Verde match?

The match kicks off today, July 3, at 6:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 6:00 PM
Central Time: 5:00 PM
Mountain Time: 4:00 PM
Pacific Time: 3:00 PM

With the uniforms for Argentina vs Cape Verde confirmed, weather conditions in Miami will be hot and humid at kickoff, with temperatures near 87°F (30°C) and a feels-like reading in the mid‑90s due to humidity. A chance of scattered showers remains in the area, though the risk is expected to ease as the match gets underway.

Argentina secured first place in Group J by defeating Algeria and Austria before closing the group stage with a 3-1 victory over Jordan using a rotated lineup. Cape Verde, meanwhile, made history by advancing from Group H after drawing all three of their matches, including a scoreless result against Saudi Arabia.

Weather forecast for Argentina vs. Cape Verde in Miami

Later in the evening, conditions should stabilize with partly sunny skies and southeast winds between 5 and 10 mph. Temperatures are expected to hover around 85°F (29°C) during the second half, keeping the environment warm even as isolated thunderstorms become less likely. FIFA officials will continue monitoring the weather, particularly for any lightning activity that could temporarily interrupt play if necessary.

Argentina and Cape Verde meet for the first time

This will be the first official meeting between Argentina and Cape Verde. The defending champions have won each of their last seven FIFA World Cup matches against African opponents since their opening defeat to Cameroon in 1990 and will try to extend that streak as they continue their title defense against one of the tournament’s surprise teams.

He has represented clubs across Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus and Slovakia while earning more than 90 caps for his country. He he has established himself as Cape Verde’s longtime No. 1 goalkeeper thanks to his shot-stopping ability.

As one of the most recognizable faces in Cape Verdean soccer, he continues to inspire fans while adding new chapters to an already remarkable career. Also, he continues to make history as one of the oldest players at the World Cup.

How old is Vozinha?

Vozinha is 40 years old. The Cape Verde goalkeeper, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, was born on June 3, 1986, in Mindelo, on the island of Sao Vicente. He has continued to perform at a high level for both club and country.

His experience has made him one of the leaders of Cape Verde’s national team, and he gained worldwide recognition during the 2026 FIFA World Cup thanks to a series of standout performances.

How tall is Vozinha?

Vozinha stands 6-foot-2 (1.89 m) tall. His height, combined with his athleticism and positioning, has been one of the key strengths throughout his career as a goalkeeper.

A right-footed shot-stopper, he has built a reputation for his reflexes, command of the penalty area and ability to deliver in high-pressure matches. Those qualities were on full display during Cape Verde’s historic World Cup campaign.

Vozinha’s family

Vozinha comes from a family with strong ties to soccer. His younger brother, Delmiro Dias, is also a professional soccer player, making the sport a central part of the family’s life.

He has also spoken publicly about the important role his parents played in his journey. His father named him Josimar after Brazilian defender Josimar, who starred at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, reflecting the family’s passion.

During the 2026 World Cup, he became emotional after revealing that his mother was initially unable to attend Cape Verde’s opening match because of visa issues. She was later able to travel to the United States and watch her son.

Vozinha’s social media

Vozinha is active on Instagram under the username @vozinha1. His account features photos from matches, training sessions, moments with the Cape Verde national team and personal updates from his career.

His social media presence exploded during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After his Player of the Match performance against Spain, his Instagram following surged from roughly 50,000 followers to 17.6 million in just a matter of days.

When did Vozinha make his debut for Cape Verde?

Vozinha made his senior debut for the Cape Verde national team in 2012. Since then, he has become one of the country’s most-capped players, representing the Blue Sharks in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

He established himself as Cape Verde’s first-choice goalkeeper, helping the national team qualify for multiple editions of the Africa Cup of Nations before playing a leading role in the country’s historic qualification. His leadership eventually earned him the role of vice-captain.

Which club does Vozinha play for?

Vozinha is currently without a club after leaving Portuguese side GD Chaves in the summer of 2026. He spent two seasons with the club after joining from Slovak outfit AS Trencin. He enjoyed a career that took him across several countries.

He played for Batuque FC and CS Mindelense in Cape Verde, Progresso in Angola, Zimbru Chisinau in Moldova, Gil Vicente in Portugal, AEL Limassol in Cyprus and AS Trencin in Slovakia.

Vozinha’s career highlights

• Qualified for Cape Verde’s first-ever FIFA World Cup: Vozinha was one of the team’s leaders during the qualifying campaign, helping the Blue Sharks reach the tournament for the first time in the nation’s history.

• Starred in Cape Verde’s World Cup debut against Spain: He produced seven saves and kept a clean sheet in a memorable 0-0 draw, earning Player of the Match honors and worldwide recognition.

• Represented Cape Verde in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments: Vozinha has appeared at AFCON in 2013, 2015, 2021 and 2023, cementing his status as one of the country’s greatest goalkeepers.

• Won the Cypriot First Division with AEL Limassol: During his five-year spell in Cyprus, he helped AEL capture the 2021-22 league title, one of the biggest club honors of his career.

• Became one of Cape Verde’s most-capped players: With more than 90 international appearances, Vozinha ranks among the most experienced soccer players in the history of the national team.

• Became a global social media sensation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup: His heroics against Spain caused his Instagram following to increase by millions in just days, making him one of the breakout stars of the tournament.

Around 65,000 fans are expected to attend Argentina vs. Cape Verde at Miami Stadium, where the reigning world champions will look to continue their winning run. The Blue Sharks, meanwhile, will be aiming to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the World Cup so far.

The weather could prove to be a decisive factor, with intense heat and high humidity expected. Ninety minutes—perhaps even more—stand between Argentina and the African side and a place in the Round of 16. Which of these two teams will ultimately book this spot?

Argentina and Cape Verde’s kits

Canadian referee Drew Fischer will be the man in charge of this Round of 32 clash. Both Argentina and Cape Verde will be easily distinguishable on the pitch in Miami, with each side wearing its traditional home kit.

La Albiceleste will live up to their nickname by wearing their iconic sky blue and white striped shirt, along with white shorts and white socks. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez will be dressed entirely in light green.

Cape Verde, meanwhile, will opt for darker colors. The outfield players will be dressed entirely in navy blue, while the 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha will wear a full yellow kit. To ensure they stand out from both teams, the match officials will wear red.

What comes after the Round of 32?

The winner of the match between Argentina and Cape Verde will secure a place in the Round of 16. There, they will face the winner of Australia vs. Egypt on Tuesday, July 7 at 12:00 noon ET at Atlanta Stadium.

He enjoyed a playing career as a center back before making a successful transition into coaching. He represented his country before gaining experience with several domestic clubs and serving as an assistant with the national team.

His journey from national team captain to the architect of Cape Verde‘s greatest soccer milestone has made him a respected name on the international stage and a central figure in the country’s soccer growth.

Why is Pedro Leitao Brito known as Bubista?

Pedro Leitao Brito is known as “Bubista” because the nickname comes from Boa Vista, the Cape Verdean island where he was born. In Cape Verdean Creole, “Bubista” is a colloquial way of referring to someone from Boa Vista.

The nickname has taken on even greater significance during his coaching career. As the manager who led Cape Verde to its first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification, he has become one of the most recognizable figures.

How old is Pedro Leitao Brito?

Pedro Leitao Brito is 56 years old. He was born on January 6, 1970, on the island of Boa Vista, then part of Portuguese Cape Verde.

His decades of experience in the game have included roles as a player, national team captain, assistant coach, club manager and head coach of Cape Verde. That background has helped him build one of Africa’s most disciplined national teams.

How tall is Pedro Leitao Brito?

Pedro Leitao Brito stands 5-foot-11 (1.80 m) tall. During his playing career, he featured primarily as a center back, although he was also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder thanks to his tactical awareness and physical strength.

Former teammates often described him as a strong defender who excelled in aerial duels despite not being among the tallest players. Those defensive principles later became one of the hallmarks of his coaching philosophy.

Pedro Leitao Brito’s playing career

Pedro Leitao Brito enjoyed a professional playing career that spanned nearly two decades before becoming a coach. A central defender by trade, he represented Cape Verde internationally from the early 1990s until 2005.

Although his time in European soccer was brief, he gained valuable experience in Spain before continuing his career in Angola, where he enjoyed the most successful period of his club career. He later returned to Cape Verde to finish playing before moving into management.

After retiring, he remained deeply involved in developing soccer in his home country, first as an assistant with the national team and later as a head coach at both club and international levels.

Which clubs did Pedro Leitao Brito play for?

Pedro Leitao Brito played for four professional clubs during his career. His best-known stop in Europe came with CD Badajoz in Spain’s Segunda Division during the 1995-96 season, where he made two league appearances.

He then moved to ASA (Atletico Sport Aviacao) in Angola, spending six seasons with the club and helping it win the 2002 Girabola, Angola’s top-flight championship. That title remains the biggest club honor of his playing career.

Following his time in Angola, he had a brief stint with Portuguese side Estoril before returning to Cape Verde to play for Falcoes do Norte, where he finished his playing career in 2006.

When did Pedro Leitao Brito make his debut as Cape Verde’s coach?

Pedro Leitao Brito became Cape Verde’s head coach in January 2020. After spending several years as an assistant with the national team and coaching clubs in the Cape Verdean league, he was appointed to replace Janito Carvalho.

His tenure got off to a strong start. In March 2021, he guided Cape Verde to qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations after a decisive victory over Mozambique, marking one of the first major milestones of his time in charge.

Since then, he has transformed the Blue Sharks into one of Africa’s most organized national teams, relying on a disciplined defensive structure and successfully integrating players from Cape Verde’s large diaspora across Europe.

Pedro Leitao Brito’s career highlights

• Led Cape Verde to its first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification (2025): Bubista achieved the greatest milestone in the nation’s soccer history by guiding the Blue Sharks to their maiden FIFA World Cup appearance after a successful African qualifying campaign. Cape Verde became one of the smallest nations ever to qualify for the tournament.

• Named CAF Coach of the Year (2025): Following the historic World Cup qualification, Bubista was honored as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Coach of the Year, recognizing his impact on one of Africa’s fastest-rising national teams.

• Reached the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals: Under his leadership, Cape Verde produced its best AFCON campaign in years, defeating Mauritania in the Round of 16 before narrowly losing to South Africa in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals.

• Qualified for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations: Shortly after taking over as head coach in 2020, Bubista guided Cape Verde to AFCON by securing a decisive victory over Mozambique in the final qualifying match, marking an important early success in his tenure.

• Won the Cape Verdean Football Championship with CS Mindelense (2013): Before becoming the national team coach, Bubista enjoyed domestic success by leading CS Mindelense to the Cape Verdean national title, establishing himself as one of the country’s top young managers.

• Won the Girabola as a player with ASA (2002): His biggest club achievement as a player came in Angola, where he helped Atletico Sport Aviacao (ASA) capture the 2002 Girabola championship before transitioning into coaching.

• Turned Cape Verde into a respected international contender: Beyond trophies, Bubista’s lasting legacy has been transforming Cape Verde into a disciplined, well-organized national team capable of competing with traditional powers. His squad has earned praise for its defensive structure, resilience, and fearless mentality on the international stage.