Cabo Verde won the hearts of many last night as they held defending Champions Argentina to a 1-1 draw in regulation time before losing out 3-2 after extra time.

Lionel Messi scored in 29th minute, controlling a pass from Lisandro Martinez, before slotting above Vozinha, the Cabo Verde 40 year old goalie. The goalie will go on to make numerous saves denying Messi one-on-one and from a couple of free kicks.

Deroy Duatre equalized for the African Island nation in the 59th minute before the game progressed to extra time. In extra time, Argentina went ahead again with a goal from Lisandro Martinez in the 92nd minute. Sidney Cabral scored a worldie, beating Martinez in goal to get the second equalizer. Messi’s corner kick in the 111th minute was headed in by Romero for the winner. Was that given as an own goal?

Cabo Verde! What a display. They fought till the end, they kept going and needed a late save from Emi Martinez to deny them a 3-3 draw. The Blue Sharks looked the champions in the eyes and dared them. They fought gallantly and bravely. Unfortunately, their World Cup journey ended last night. They drew all 4 of their matches in regulation time.

Earlier, Egypt progressed to the Round of 16 after a 4-2 penalty win over Australia. The Pharaohs scored first in the 13th minute but the Socceroos equalized in the 55th minute via an own goal. 90 minutes ended 1-1 and so did 120 minutes. It is a first knockout victory for the North Africans.

Late in Kansas City, Ghana lost 1-0 to Colombia, no thanks to an early goal from Jhon Arias in the 14th minute. The Ghanaians had no shot on target, 39% possession, and created no big chance.

So, of the 9 African teams that qualified from the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, only 2 progressed – Morocco and Egypt. Morocco will face Canada while Egypt face Argentina.

The 16 teams are complete and these are the fixtures below.

Tonight, Canada play Morocco in Houston while France play Paraguay in Philadelphia. I expect Morocco and France to progress. Predictions: Canada 1-3 Morocco; France 2-0 Paraguay.