Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, narrowly defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra-time in a thrilling match, securing their place in the World Cup last 16. The game took place on Friday and showcased the resilience of the Argentine team against the underdog Cape Verde.

Morocco has surpassed Nigeria in a significant African record during the 2026 World Cup, marking a historic achievement for the team. This development not only highlights Morocco's impressive performance in the tournament but also allows them to match another long-standing milestone, according to Legit.ng.

Cabo Verde has been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 3-2 extra time loss to Argentina, the defending champions. Despite their exit, the team is celebrated for their remarkable journey in the tournament, highlighted by Vozinha's impressive seven saves against Spain and Sidny Lopes Cabral's equalizer against Argentina. The team's performance has garnered significant attention and admiration globally, according to BellaNaija.

Despite a record nine African teams reaching the World Cup Round of 32, seven were eliminated, highlighting the challenges faced by African teams in advancing in the tournament. The reasons behind the frequent stalling of African World Cup hopes are explored, particularly in light of recent performances, including those of Cape Verde.

Cape Verde has garnered attention during the expanded 48-team World Cup tournament, with many considering their performance a fairytale story despite their defeat. The island nation is celebrating what they perceive as a 'victory' in spirit, confounding expectations throughout the competition, according to Vanguard Sports.

Morocco and Egypt are the last two African nations remaining in the FIFA World Cup, following the elimination of Ghana and Cape Verde in the Round of 32. Their exits mark a disappointing moment for African teams in the tournament, as they were unable to advance further.