After their historic World Cup debut run, Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks returned to a hero’s welcome parade in the nation’s capital of Praia.
Enjoy all the features, news, video analysis and color from around the 2026 World Cup as the round of 16 begins.
The defending World Cup champions begin knockout round play on Friday when Argentina takes on Cape Verde at 6 p.m. ET, putting Lionel Messi back on the field in his chase for the Golden Boot. Messi is tied for the most goals (six) in the 2026 World Cup despite not playing his fourth game yet.
Lalas & Mosse on Cape Verde's epic vs Argentina, Egypt/Colombia wins, Best XI & Round of 16!
The Cinderella story for Cape Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end on Friday, but not before they provided one of the great moments of the tournament with Sidny Lopes Cabral's game-tying goal in extra time against Argentina.
Forward Ryan Mendes, captain of Cape Verde ’s World Cup team, is starting tonight’s round-of-32 match against defending champion Argentina at Hard Rock Stadium. Mendes appeared in all three of the Blue Sharks’ group-stage matches but did not score or have an assist.
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