The Round of 32 results on Friday reduced Africa’s representation in the tournament to just two teams, with Egypt and Morocco advancing to the last 16.
Argentina survived a major scare in Miami after Cape Verde twice came from behind to force the reigning world champions deep into extra time.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, controlling a lofted pass from Lisandro Martínez before rifling a finish into the roof of the net for his seventh goal of the tournament.
Cape Verde refused to be overawed and deservedly drew level in the 59th minute when Deroy Duarte calmly slotted home a low finish to stun the holders.
The South Americans restored their advantage moments into extra time through Lisandro Martínez, but the Blue Sharks responded once again. In the 103rd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral curled a superb strike beyond Emiliano Martínez to make it 2-2 and reignite hopes of a famous upset.
However, Cape Verde’s resistance was finally broken nine minutes from time when Cristian Romero’s powerful header took a decisive deflection off Diney Borges and found the net for an unfortunate own goal, handing Argentina a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Despite the defeat, Cape Verde earned widespread admiration after pushing one of the tournament favourites to the limit in one of the most entertaining knockout matches so far.
Earlier, Ghana’s World Cup campaign came to an end after Colombia secured a disciplined 1-0 victory.
The South Americans struck the decisive blow in the 14th minute when Luis Díaz delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area and Jhon Arias volleyed home to put Colombia ahead.
Ghana struggled to break down Colombia’s organised defensive shape despite enjoying spells of possession through Thomas Partey and Antoine Semenyo.
The Black Stars were unable to register a shot on target throughout the contest, while Colombia missed several opportunities to extend their advantage before settling for a narrow victory.
Colombia will now face Switzerland in the Round of 16, while Argentina take on Egypt for a place in the quarter-finals.
With the elimination of Cape Verde and Ghana, only Egypt and Morocco remain to carry Africa’s hopes in the knockout stages of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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