Cape Verde President José Maria Neves has expressed unwavering confidence ahead of his country’s historic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against defending champions Argentina, declaring that the Blue Sharks have a “100% chance” of causing one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
The Cape Verdean leader believes his nation can overcome Lionel Messi and the reigning world champions, predicting a 1-0 victory that would extend the remarkable journey of the tournament debutants.
Cape Verde have emerged as one of the biggest stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after reaching the knockout stage in their first-ever appearance at the global showpiece.
The island nation secured qualification through a series of disciplined performances, earning draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Uruguay’s defeat to Spain in the final round of group matches ultimately sealed Cape Verde’s place in the Round of 32.
Their impressive campaign has drawn admiration across the football world and transformed them into one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
Awaiting them, however, is arguably the toughest challenge possible.
Argentina advanced to the knockout stage with a perfect record after victories over Austria, Algeria and Jordan. Lionel Messi has been instrumental to their success, scoring six goals in three matches as the South American giants reinforced their status as one of the favourites to retain the trophy.
Despite Argentina’s pedigree, Neves insists Cape Verde have every reason to believe.
“I believe Cape Verde is capable of beating Argentina with a clean sheet,” Neves told the BBC.
“We always play to win. When expectations are low around a team, and that team has an overwhelming desire to win, then the impossible becomes possible.”
The president went even further by expressing complete confidence in his country’s chances.
“A small country like Cape Verde must always strive to surprise the world. I believe we have a 100% chance of beating Argentina.”
Neves also described the encounter as a defining chapter in the nation’s sporting history, insisting Cape Verde arrived at the World Cup determined to create a lasting legacy.
“We came to this World Cup to write our destiny with our own hands, and our destiny is to face the champions,” he said.
“We will face Argentina and Messi with the same determination, the same desire and the same ambition to win and qualify for the next round.”
Cape Verde will now attempt to turn that belief into reality when they face Argentina in what promises to be the biggest match in the nation’s football history.
Victory would not only send the Blue Sharks into the Round of 16 but would also rank among the greatest upsets the FIFA World Cup has ever witnessed.
