Argentina vs Cape Verde produced one of the most dramatic matches of the 2025 World Cup, with the West African side pushing the defending champions to the absolute limit before Argentina secured a narrow victory. Cape Verde came agonisingly close to pulling off what would have been the greatest upset in World Cup history, and the footballing world is still talking about it.
Key takeaways
- Argentina defeated Cape Verde in a tense 2025 World Cup group stage match, but the scoreline flatters the South American giants.
- Cape Verde equalised late and had chances to win, coming within minutes of eliminating the world champions.
- The match is already being discussed as one of the closest near-upsets in World Cup history.
- Lamine Yamal was named man of the match but his performance drew mixed reactions from analysts.
- Argentina advance but face serious questions about their form heading into the knockout rounds.
What Was the Final Score of Argentina vs Cape Verde?
Argentina defeated Cape Verde, but the margin was razor-thin. Reports from multiple outlets covering the 2025 FIFA World Cup indicate the final score was 2–1 in favour of Argentina, though the scoreline does not begin to capture how close Cape Verde came to eliminating the champions. The Blue Sharks, ranked well below Argentina in FIFA’s global standings, matched their opponents for long stretches and silenced any expectation of a routine win.
Argentina’s goals came through moments of individual brilliance rather than sustained team dominance. Cape Verde’s goal — described by commentators as a deserved equaliser — sent shockwaves through the stadium and lit up social media worldwide. The final whistle brought visible relief to Argentina’s camp, not celebration.
How Close Did Cape Verde Come to Eliminating Argentina?
Extremely close. Cape Verde equalised in the second half and had at least one clear opportunity to take the lead. According to match reports, the Blue Sharks hit the post or were denied by the goalkeeper in the closing stages, and Argentina survived several dangerous set-piece situations. For a spell of roughly 20 minutes, elimination was a genuine possibility for the defending world champions.
This was not a smash-and-grab attempt either. Cape Verde played structured, disciplined football throughout. Their pressing unsettled Argentina’s build-up play repeatedly, and their goalkeeper made crucial saves to keep them competitive. The performance drew immediate comparisons to Senegal’s defeat of France at the 2002 World Cup and Japan’s win over Germany in 2022 — though Cape Verde ultimately fell short of completing the upset.
The near-miss has already generated enormous traffic across football media, with the phrase Cape Verde nearly beat Argentina trending across X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Google Search within minutes of the final whistle.
Where Does This Rank Among World Cup Upsets?
Because Argentina held on, this does not technically qualify as a completed upset. But in terms of drama and near-miss significance, analysts are placing it alongside the most memorable shocks in tournament history. Had Cape Verde converted their late chance, it would have ranked as the single most stunning result in World Cup history — surpassing even FIFA’s own list of all-time World Cup shocks.
For context, here are the benchmarks this match is being measured against:
- USA 1–0 England, 1950 — still considered one of the greatest upsets ever recorded.
- Senegal 1–0 France, 2002 — the reigning champions beaten by debutants.
- Japan 2–1 Germany, 2022 — a stunning comeback that reset expectations for smaller footballing nations.
- Saudi Arabia 2–1 Argentina, 2022 — arguably the closest comparison, and one Argentina fans had hoped was a distant memory.
Cape Verde’s performance places them firmly in the conversation about rising football nations. Their FIFA ranking has climbed steadily in recent years, and this result — even in defeat — will accelerate interest in their development programme.
What Happens to Argentina Next in the Tournament?
Argentina advance from the group stage, but the manner of this performance will concern coach Lionel Scaloni. The side’s defensive shape was repeatedly exposed, and their midfield struggled to assert control for significant periods. Scaloni will face tough selection decisions before Argentina’s next match.
Their path through the knockout rounds is not yet fully confirmed as of publication, but Argentina are expected to face a knockout stage opponent shortly. Based on their group performance, they are likely to be seeded, but this Cape Verde display will have sent a message to every side remaining in the tournament: Argentina are beatable. Watch official FIFA World Cup updates for confirmed fixture details as they are announced.
How Did Yamal Perform and Did He Deserve Man of the Match?
Lamine Yamal was awarded man of the match, but the decision has proved controversial. The Barcelona winger produced flashes of genuine brilliance — two or three moments of dribbling skill that drew gasps — but his overall influence was inconsistent. He was peripheral for long periods and failed to impose himself when Argentina needed creativity most.
However, the argument for Yamal rests on the quality of his direct contributions. He was involved in at least one of Argentina’s goals, either scoring or assisting, and his pace created constant anxiety for Cape Verde’s defensive line even when he was not on the ball. At his age — still a teenager — the raw talent is undeniable.
Critics argue the award reflected reputation as much as performance. Several Cape Verde players, including their goalkeeper and central defensive partnership, produced individually superior displays over 90 minutes. Social media sentiment was split, with many fans suggesting the man of the match honour belonged on the Cape Verde bench.
A Global Story With a Small-Nation Angle
For readers following this story from Iceland — a country that knows exactly what it means for a small football nation to punch above its weight at a major tournament — Cape Verde’s performance carries particular resonance. Iceland’s own historic run at Euro 2016, when they defeated England and captivated the world with the Skál chant, drew on exactly the same qualities Cape Verde showed here: organisation, belief, and fearlessness against a vastly more famous opponent.
Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands off the northwest coast of Africa, with a population of around 550,000 — comparable in size to Iceland. Their footballing infrastructure is a fraction of Argentina’s. Yet for one afternoon, they stood on the edge of history.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Argentina vs Cape Verde at the 2025 World Cup?
Argentina won 2–1 against Cape Verde in their 2025 FIFA World Cup group stage match. The result was far closer than expected, with Cape Verde equalising before Argentina scored a late winner. The match is widely regarded as one of the most dramatic of the tournament so far.
Did Cape Verde qualify for the 2025 World Cup knockout stage?
Cape Verde did not advance from the group stage after their defeat to Argentina. However, their performance earned widespread praise and demonstrated how significantly African football has developed at international level. Their FIFA ranking and continental standing are likely to benefit from the exposure.
Is Lamine Yamal playing for Argentina or Spain at the 2025 World Cup?
Lamine Yamal represents Spain, not Argentina, at the 2025 World Cup. He was awarded man of the match in the Argentina vs Cape Verde match, which has caused some confusion in search results. Yamal plays club football for FC Barcelona and is considered one of the most exciting young players in world football.
Where can I watch Argentina’s next World Cup match?
Broadcast rights vary by country. Check your national broadcaster or streaming platform for confirmed fixture times and channels. The official FIFA website at fifa.com/worldcup publishes the full schedule and is the most reliable source for match details and kickoff times in your local timezone.
How does Cape Verde’s near-upset compare to Saudi Arabia beating Argentina in 2022?
Saudi Arabia actually completed the upset in 2022, defeating Argentina 2–1 in the group stage — one of the most shocking results in World Cup history. Cape Verde came close but ultimately lost, so the comparison highlights how fine the margins were. Both matches exposed Argentina’s vulnerability to compact, well-organised opponents willing to press high.
