World Cup: Blue Sharks Push Argentina to the Brink, Cape Verde Fans Celebrate Pride in Defeat

2026 World Cup Key News

(CNA Praia, Cape Verde, July 4 - Reuters) Cape Verde's "Blue Sharks" narrowly lost to Argentina 2-3 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 today. The capital, Praia, was filled with a celebratory atmosphere this morning, with applause, drumming, and car horns sounding continuously as citizens cheered their team's performance, which earned pride despite the loss.

According to AFP, Cape Verde, a small African nation with a population of just over 500,000, reached the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance, having drawn with "The Invincible Armada" Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in the group stage.

However, in the Round of 32 match held in Miami, Cape Verde battled Argentina until the very end, pushing the defending champions into extra time. Argentina ultimately won a narrow 3-2 victory, ending the surprising journey of Cape Verde, the dark horse of this World Cup.

Cape Verde fan Adilson Soaresz told AFP, "We lost the game, but it feels like we won because we played neck and neck with the World Cup defending champions. Cape Verde performed brilliantly."

Cape Verde equalized twice. However, in the 111th minute, Argentina's Cristian Romero scored with a header, and Cape Verde's Diney Borges inadvertently touched the ball under defensive pressure, resulting in an own goal. Argentina won 3-2 at the end to advance and will face Egypt in the Round of 16.

The celebrations in Praia continued until nearly 3 a.m., with the sounds of "Vuvuzelas" and live music filling the streets.

Supporter Pedro Ramos told AFP at the Praia fan zone, "Cape Verde bids farewell to the World Cup with its head held high." The scene showed Cape Verdeans and visitors gathered together to watch the match.

Ramos said, "We were so close to beating Argentina, and we can finally dream." He also happily stated that the Blue Sharks made "the Argentinians sweat."

Diplomat Armando Lopes said, "It felt like watching the World Cup final. Who would have thought that Cape Verde could push Argentina into extra time on the World Cup stage?" (Compiled by Lu Ying-tzu) 1150704

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