Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – The last 32 of the World Cup produced some memorable matches and poignant moments.

Issued on: 04/07/2026 - 06:08

2 min Reading time

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced another stirring performance as the rank outsiders gave Argentina a huge scare © PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP

Here are just a few:Islanders' prideCape Verde's epic but ultimately fruitless struggle against reigning champions Argentina will go down in World Cup history as the nation of just over 500,000 people almost felled mighty Lionel Messi. As the banner held up by one Cape Verde fan in Miami said: "Small Island. Big Dreams. Refuse to Lose."Big player, big hat