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WORLD CUP 2026 · Friday, 3 July 2026 at 23:00 BST
Argentina
vs
Cape Verde Islands

Match preview

Argentina are clear favourites on ratings, with the model at 70%. Only a poor recent run (four-from-five) gives Cape Verde Islands a way in.

70%
Argentina
15%
Draw
15%
Cape Verde Islands
Model fair odds
Argentina
1.43
Draw
6.67
Cape Verde Islands
6.67

Decimal fair odds from the model probabilities before bookmaker margin.

Argentina
70%
Draw
15%
Cape Verde Islands
15%
Elo rating: 2179 vs 1731 (+448)
Recent form: WWWWW vs DDDWW
Host advantage: Neutral venue
Model verdict: 70% / 15% / 15%
Most likely scores
Argentina 2–0 (16%)
Argentina 1–0 (15%)
Argentina 3–0 (11%)
Draw 1–1 (8%)
Why Argentina are favourites (70%)
  • Argentina carry the higher Elo rating (+448 points)
  • Neutral venue — no home advantage applied
  • Argentina unbeaten and winning in their last five (5W)
  • Cape Verde Islands unbeaten in their last five (2W 3D)
  • Head-to-head treated as neutral — too few recent meetings to weigh (10% of the blend)

These factors combine to produce the 70% / 15% / 15% verdict above.

Expected match pattern

Argentina are expected to control possession and territory, while Cape Verde Islands will likely rely on defensive organisation and counter-attacks. An early Argentina goal would force Cape Verde Islands to open up, raising the chance of a multi-goal result; the longer it stays level, the more pressure shifts onto the favourites.

Expected goals: Argentina 2.1 · Cape Verde Islands 0.5

Quick stats

MetricArgentinaCape Verde Islands
Elo rating21791731
Last 5 record5W2W 3D
Goals last 5138
Goals conceded last 512
Clean sheets last 544

Argentina — last 5

  • W@ Jordan31
  • Wv Austria20
  • Wv Algeria30
  • Wv Iceland30
  • Wv Honduras20

Cape Verde Islands — last 5

  • Dv Saudi Arabia00
  • D@ Uruguay22
  • D@ Spain00
  • Wv Bermuda30
  • Wv Serbia30

Head to head

No recent meetings on record between these sides.

Predictions are model output, not betting advice. The model blends an Elo rating, last-5 form and host advantage; ratings update after every tournament result, and fair odds and likely scorelines are derived from the same blend. Bet responsibly — 18+. See PuntHub for verified tipster services.