Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes make their predictions for the Knockout Stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Spain beating Argentina in the Final, and France dominating the tournament.

Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes, who plays for League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers, says it will be a "surreal feeling" to come up against Lionel Messi and World Cup holders Argentina in the last-32 knockout stage of the World Cup.

Lionel Scaloni will mark his 100th match in charge of Argentina on Friday when the defending champions face Cape Verde in the World Cup round of 32, a major milestone in one of the most ​successful eras in the national team's history.

For the most part, Argentina’s World Cup team has kept a low profile in Kansas City, where it has made its base camp. However, we have seen multiple videos of the team grilling meat, which undoubtedly makes them honorary Kansas Citians.

Ryan Mendes, captain of Cape Verde World Cup team, is under investigation for alleged rape in March in New Zealand.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina's Lionel Messi played on the final day of the 2026 World Cup group stage action.