It was another extraordinary day at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, a tournament which just keeps on delivering. Lionel Messi orchestrated the game-winning goal, and reclaimed the lead in the adidas Golden Boot race, but it was Cabo Verde that captured hearts across the planet.

Twice the debutants came back from a goal down against the reigning champions, before an extra-time own goal from Diney Borges won it for Argentina.

They will face Egypt in the Round of 16, after they downed Australia on penalties in the day’s opening fixture.

Australia 1-1 Egypt (2-4 PSO)

Dallas Stadium

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 03: Hossam Abdelmaguid #4 of Egypt celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's fourth and winning penalty in the shootout during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Australia and Egypt at Dallas Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tullio Puglia - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Egypt made history in Dallas as they won a knockout match for the first time, downing an Australian side that were targeting the same outcome. The Pharaohs struck first as an unmarked Emam Ashour snuck in to head past Patrick Beach from a 13th minute free-kick and that was the way things stayed until the break.

Omar Marmoush missed a gilt-edged chance to double the lead immediately after the restart and Egypt were punished for that as Mohamed Hany nodded into his own goal from an Aiden O’Neill free-kick. Thereafter Beach made a fine save to deny Rami Rabia before he was surprisingly withdrawn for Mathew Ryan as the contest went to penalties.

With Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missing from 12 yards, Hossam Abdelmaguid converted Egypt’s fourth straight penalty to send them into the last 16.

Argentina 3-2 Cabo Verde (AET)

Miami Stadium

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 03: Lisandro Martinez #6 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Argentina and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Things started in Miami, as they often do, with a little bit of Lionel Messi magic. Lisandro Martinez’s lofted ball was killed with a brilliant touch, before his second saw a shot that flashed past Vozinha to put Argentina ahead just shy of the half hour.

As they have shown all tournament, Cabo Verde though have more than just spirit; they also have genuine ability. Nonetheless, equalising against the defending champions was still a seismic moment, as Deroy Duarte collect Ryan Mendes’ cross to fire through Lisandro Martinez’ legs and past Emi Martinez.

Cabo Verde's Deroy Duarte #14 celebrates with Sidny Lopes Cabral #13 after scoring against Argentina on July 03, 2026. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

A pair of wonderful Vozinha saves and fine Pico Lopes clearance helped keep things level as the contest went to extra time. There, an unmarked Lisandro Martinez lashed past Vozinha at his near post after a Messi corner was flicked on by Alexis Mac Allister in the 92nd minute, but still Cabo Verde weren’t done.

Remarkably the Blue Sharks drew level again, and with one of the goals of the tournament, as Sidny Lopes Cabral danced past Mac Allister and lasered a shot into the far corner of Martinez’ goal.

There was to be no third comeback though, as a 111th minute Diney Borges own goal won it for Argentina on an extraordinary evening in Miami. (FIFA)

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