(Reuters)Argentina take on Cape Verde in the round of 32 at the World Cup tonight, with the holders looking to take another step towards defending the trophy they won in Qatar in 2022. Lionel Messi and co. look in fine form as they continue their bid to win back-to-back World Cups, with the Albiceleste’s talisman having scored six goals in just three games to begin his 2026 campaign.As for Cape Verde, Bubista’s side have exceeded all expectations in finishing second in Group H and securing a spot in the last 32, and they can make life difficult for the best teams, as shown with their draw to Spain in their opening game.The winner of this tie will face either Australia or Egypt in the last 16 in Atlanta on Tuesday, 7 July. Follow all of the latest from the World Cup clash with our live blog below:Penalty watchWe’re about to have a shootout in today’s earlier kick-off between Australia and Egypt.And you can follow it belowAlan Smith3 July 2026 21:40The starting line-ups should be released any time from now, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...Argentina rested much of their regular starting side for the win over Jordan, with Lionel Messi among those primed for a return. The No 10 registered off the bench in that game to take his tally for the tournament to six, and in World Cups overall to 19.For Cape Verde, Telmo Arcanjo missed the last game against Saudi Arabia and is again a doubt.Chris Wilson3 July 2026 21:30Chris Wilson3 July 2026 21:22World Cup resultsHere’s the full list of results from the round of 32 so far then:France will look to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday night (AP)Chris Wilson3 July 2026 21:12Lionel Messi (Reuters)(Getty)(Getty)Chris Wilson3 July 2026 21:01Ronaldo’s tears, Martinez’s choice and Modric’s ending: Inside Portugal v Croatia, a World Cup epicAnd the story of Portugal’s dramatic win over Croatia...Then they trailed and Martinez showed a decisiveness he is often accused of lacking. A quadruple change altered the momentum, the World Cup. One of the arrivals, Goncalo Ramos, was to prove the man who did something many an opponent has failed to accomplish in the last two World Cups and finish off Croatia.But Martinez’s later, and final, change was his most instructive, perhaps his most influential.Chris Wilson3 July 2026 20:52Are you watching, France? Spain breeze past Austria – and this is why they’re peaking at just the right timeSome of the big news from yesterday as Spain laid down the gauntlet to other sides in the competition...While all the big-hitters around them experience a glut of goals and drama, depending on which way you glance, Spain continue their methodical and altogether stress-free path to the latter stages of the World Cup. Sure, they are lacking France’s all-out firepower. Sure, they are lacking a leading talisman in Argentina’s Lionel Messi or England’s Harry Kane. But as a cohesive unit, ticking over possession and grounding their opposition into submission, there is still no collective, well-rounded team better at this World Cup 2026 than La Roja.In Los Angeles on Thursday, they made a statement. Across the board, the Spanish had too much suave and poise for an Austrian outfit who, after their incredible stoppage-time equaliser against Algeria last Saturday, had run out of steam. For Mikel Oyarzabal, there was another World Cup brace to back up his tally against Saudi Arabia as he ruthlessly capitalised on two pinpoint crosses from Marc Cucurella. In between those goals came a first international goal for Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, who took advantage of his starting pick ahead of Marcos Llorente. A tougher test lies in wait in the last 16, mind: either Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal or Luka Modric’s Croatia in Dallas on Monday.Chris Wilson3 July 2026 20:41World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Mbappe vs Messi standings as Kane joins thrilling race to finish top scorerThe race for the golden boot at the World Cup is hurtling towards an epic contest during the knockout stage as Kylian Mbappe reined in Lionel Messi at the top of the standings with Vinicius Jr and Erling Haalandalso very much in the race.The stars continue to dominate at this tournament, none more so than Messi after backing up a hat-trick against Algeria with a double against Austria to highlight one of his greatest traits after a penalty miss. Another arrived off the bench against Jordan – inevitably.Not to be outdone, Mbappe has been in excellent scoring touch and a brace against Sweden propelled France to a 3-0 victory and a spot in the last-16 as he once again thrives on the biggest stage. It also sends him above Messi in the standings though they are level on goals scored.Chris Wilson3 July 2026 20:30When is Argentina vs Cape Verde?Argentina vs Cape Verde is due to kick off at 11pm BST on Friday 3 July at Miami Stadium.How can I watch it?Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage on the channel from 10.15pm BST. A live stream will be available via ITVX.Chris Wilson3 July 2026 20:21Predicted line-upsPossible Argentina XI: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, La. Martinez, Almada.Possible Cape Verde XI: Vozinha; Moreira, Pico, Diney, S. Cabral; Lenini; Mendes, Duarte, Monteiro, J. Cabral; Livramento.Chris Wilson3 July 2026 20:13