Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has urged his squad not to take Cape Verde lightly ahead of their Round of 32 showdown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that the African side are capable of making the reigning world champions deeply uncomfortable.

Cape Verde arrived at the knockout stage as one of the tournament's most remarkable stories. Making their World Cup debut, they were placed in Group H alongside former champions Spain and Uruguay, plus Saudi Arabia — a draw that few expected them to survive. Yet they ground out three consecutive draws, including a 0-0 result against Spain and a 2-2 tie with Uruguay, finishing as group runners-up to reach the last 32.

In doing so, Cape Verde became the smallest country by population ever to advance to the knockout rounds of a men's World Cup.

Argentina, meanwhile, topped Group J following a near-flawless group stage, with Lionel Messi remaining the undisputed heartbeat of the side.

Scaloni's words of warning

Speaking at his post-match press conference after Argentina's victory over Jordan, Scaloni was characteristically measured when asked about the upcoming Cape Verde fixture.