Latin America Sports Daily for Saturday, July 4, 2026

Argentina survive a huge Cape Verde scare to reach the last 16

World Cup

Argentina came within moments of the biggest upset in World Cup knockout history before beating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in Miami. The champions were pushed to the very limit by the tournament’s smallest nation.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a sublime finish, set up by a raking Lisandro Martínez pass. It was his seventh goal of the tournament and extended his all-time World Cup record to 20.

Cape Verde refused to fold, and Deroy Duarte levelled in the second half to stun the Miami crowd. Their goalkeeper Vozinha made eight saves to keep the debutants in the contest and force extra time.

Martínez appeared to settle it early in extra time, finishing from a corner to make it 2-1. Then Sidny Lopes Cabral curled in a stunning effort from the edge of the box, a candidate for goal of the tournament, to level again at 2-2.

The decisive moment came in the 111th minute from another Messi corner. Cristian Romero rose to head it goalward, and the ball went in off a Cape Verde defender for an own goal that finally broke the resistance.

Messi played the full match, a mark of how serious the threat became, and finished with a goal, an assist, and nine shots. Argentina now meet Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday, after the Africans beat Australia on penalties.

Colombia see off Ghana as five Latin American teams reach the last 16

World Cup

Colombia rounded off the Round of 32 with a controlled 1-0 win over Ghana in Kansas City. Jhon Arias tapped in the only goal in the 14th minute after a fine cross from Luis Suárez.

The scoreline flattered Ghana, who failed to register a single shot on target all night. Colombia piled up 20 attempts and 2.06 expected goals to Ghana’s 0.26, and only sharp goalkeeping kept the margin down.

Luis Díaz twice went close to a second, denied by a narrow offside call and then by the goalkeeper one-on-one. It continued a theme of the tournament, with Colombia creating far more than they convert.

The win means five Latin American teams are now in the last 16, joining Brazil, Paraguay, and Mexico. Colombia reach the World Cup last 16 for the first time since 2018.

Los Cafeteros now face Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday. It is a winnable tie that could carry Colombia to a first World Cup quarter-final since 2014.

Where all five Latin American teams stand in the Round of 16

World Cup

For the first time this tournament, the full Latin American last-16 picture is set. Five teams have come through, spread across both halves of the draw.

The action starts today, with Paraguay facing France in Philadelphia. On Sunday, Brazil meet Norway in New Jersey before Mexico host England at the Azteca.

The two later qualifiers play on Tuesday. Colombia take on Switzerland in Vancouver, while Argentina face Egypt in Atlanta.

Argentina and Colombia sit on the same side of the draw, so the two could meet in the quarter-finals if both win on Tuesday. The others must navigate strong European opponents to go deeper.

Paraguay meet France as the Round of 16 gets under way

Preview

Paraguay begin the Latin American charge through the last 16 today, facing France in Philadelphia at 5pm ET. It is a daunting draw against one of the pre-tournament favourites.

La Albirroja arrive on a high after knocking out Germany on penalties, the biggest shock of the tournament so far. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill was the hero of that shootout and may be needed again against a fearsome French attack.

France come in as the top-ranked side left in the competition, with Kylian Mbappé second in the Golden Boot race on six goals, one behind Messi. They swept aside Sweden 3-0 in the previous round.

Paraguay will likely sit deep and look to frustrate, the approach that undid Germany. A win would send them to a quarter-final in Boston and mark their best World Cup run since 2010.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Which five Latin American teams are in the last 16?

Brazil, Paraguay, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia have all reached the Round of 16. It is the region’s strongest showing at this stage in years.

All five came through the expanded Round of 32 of the first 48-team World Cup.

How many World Cup goals does Messi now have?

Messi’s goal against Cape Verde was his 20th at World Cups, extending his all-time record. It was also his seventh of this tournament, moving him back ahead of Kylian Mbappé, who has six.

He has now scored in eight consecutive World Cup matches.

What are the Latin American Round of 16 fixtures?

Paraguay play France today, then Brazil face Norway and Mexico host England on Sunday. Colombia meet Switzerland and Argentina face Egypt on Tuesday.

The winners advance to quarter-finals staged between July 9 and 11.