Argentina is heading to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, but not before surviving one of the tournament's biggest surprises. Defending champion Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 match that pushed Lionel Messi's side to the limit.
Cape Verde once again proved why it has become one of the stories of World Cup 2026. The tournament debutant matched Argentina's intensity throughout the match, equalizing twice and forcing extra time before Cristian Romero's late winner finally sealed Argentina's place in the next round. Lionel Messi opened the scoring and continued adding to his remarkable World Cup legacy, while Cape Verde earned widespread praise for refusing to back down against one of football's biggest powers.
The excitement surrounding Argentina's World Cup journey has also extended beyond the stadium. Alongside the knockout stage, the 8 Ball Strike Cup is already live through AviaGames' partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Running from June 12 through July 17, the tournament features an $80,000 prize pool for eligible competitors across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. While centered on pool online rather than football, it reflects the competitive atmosphere that has defined this year's World Cup.
The competition will conclude with a Championship livestream on July 16 and 17, featuring gaming creator Troydan, trick-shot legend Florian "Venom" Kohler, and esports host Katie Bedford. For eligible participants, the event also showcases how skill-based real cash games and games for cash continue to attract players in supported regions during one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
As Argentina prepares for its Round of 16 clash with Egypt, Cape Verde leaves the tournament with its reputation enhanced after producing one of the most memorable underdog performances of the World Cup 2026