Lionel Scaloni's side secured a dramatic 3-2 victory thanks to an own goal by Diney Borges, keeping their title defence alive.
The match, played in Miami and concluded on Saturday morning (Bangladesh time), remained level until the 111th minute when defender Borges inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to separate the two sides. While the goal brought Cabo Verde's remarkable run to an end, it also ensured Borges' place in World Cup history.
The decisive moment came after Lionel Messi delivered a corner that Cristian Romero headed towards goal. The ball struck Borges' hand before deflecting into the net, with Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha unable to prevent it from crossing the line. The goal gave Argentina a 3-2 lead, which they successfully protected until the final whistle.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also produced crucial saves in the closing stages to ensure the match was settled before a penalty shootout. For the 31-year-old Borges, the own goal created an unfortunate record.
Never before had an own goal in extra time decided the outcome of a Fifa World Cup match. Despite an impressive performance throughout the game, his unintended touch proved decisive as Argentina booked their place in the last 16.
The tournament had already set a new record for the highest number of own goals at a single World Cup, with Borges' effort becoming the 14th of the competition. The previous record of 12 own goals had been set at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
With the expanded 48-team format increasing the number of matches, both goals and own goals have risen during this tournament. Having progressed from the round of 32, Argentina will now face Egypt in the last 16.
The previous round-of-32 meeting between Egypt and Australia had already established the new own-goal record when Egypt defender Mohamed Hany headed the ball into his own net while attempting to clear it. It was also his second own goal of the tournament, having previously scored one against Belgium during the group stage.
FIFA World Cup 2026 / Argentina / Borges
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