World Cup 2026: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde – Reigning champions avoid biggest upset in tournament history after extra-time winner – Sky Sports

Argentina survived a historic scare in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, escaping with a 3-2 victory over Cape Verde after extra time. The reigning champions, who lifted the trophy in Qatar two years ago, were pushed to the brink by a spirited African side before Julián Álvarez’s stoppage-time strike secured a nervy win. The result underlines the tournament’s capacity to spring surprises, while also exposing vulnerabilities in the South Americans’ armour.

How Argentina nearly suffered their greatest upset

Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, took a 2-0 lead inside the first half-hour. The island nation, ranked 70th in the FIFA World Rankings at the time of the match, exploited gaps in Argentina’s defence to exploit two quick transitions. Their first goal came from a rapid counter, initiated by a loose ball in midfield that was seized upon by a forward running in behind the high defensive line. The second arrived after a defensive miscue allowed a through ball to break the offside trap, with the ball ultimately finding the feet of a striker who rounded the goalkeeper to double the lead. By the interval, the underdogs had stunned the crowd at MetLife Stadium, where official attendance figures confirmed a 78,212 turnout.

Lionel Messi restored parity with a composed finish midway through the second half, but Cape Verde regained the lead within minutes after a defensive lapse allowed a free header from a corner. Argentina, coached by Lionel Scaloni, were left staring at elimination before Álvarez’s dramatic late intervention. The 93rd-minute winner, a low drive from inside the box after a quick break down the left flank, completed a frantic finale and preserved Argentina’s unbeaten start to the tournament.

Why this result matters beyond the scoreboard

For Cape Verde, the performance marks a statement of intent. Their attacking fluency and defensive resilience suggest they will be a force to reckon with in future editions. The narrow defeat, though heartbreaking, will fuel belief that African football is closing the gap on the traditional powerhouses. The team’s high pressing and direct transitions caught Argentina out repeatedly, particularly in the opening 30 minutes, and their ability to threaten on the counter will give other opponents pause for thought.

Argentina, meanwhile, must address the defensive frailties exposed in New Jersey. The backline’s vulnerability to pace and set-pieces could prove costly against stronger opponents. Scaloni’s tactical adjustments, including a shift to a back three in the second half, provided more solidity, but the concession of three goals in open play highlights systemic issues that will need urgent attention. The team’s title defence now hinges on tighter organisation and improved concentration in transition moments.

What comes next for both sides

Argentina’s next match against Poland will be a sterner test, with both teams likely to push for a win to ease qualification concerns. A draw would leave the group finely balanced, while a loss could trigger a premature knockout-stage exit. Cape Verde, despite the defeat, will carry momentum into their clash with Portugal, where a point could secure their place in the last 16. Their performance against Argentina has already announced their arrival on the global stage, and further progress would send a clear signal that African football is entering a new era.

The World Cup’s expanded format means every point counts, and both teams now know the margins separating progress from elimination are razor-thin. The drama of Argentina’s escape serves as a reminder that in football, no lead is ever safe, and no team—regardless of pedigree—can afford to take their opponents lightly in a tournament of this magnitude.