29/06/2026 10:16 - Deportes
The Argentina National Team, reigning world champions, broke from their usual routine on Sunday, June 29, 2026, conducting a training session in Kansas following their 3-1 victory over Jordan at Dallas Stadium on Friday, June 27. This match concluded the Group J stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni orchestrated this location change as part of the strategic preparation for the upcoming Round of 16 clash against Cape Verde, set for Friday, July 3, 2026 at 19:00 local time at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Argentina navigated the group stage flawlessly, accumulating 9 points with a +5 goal differential, firmly establishing themselves as the dominant force in Group J. Their campaign unfolded as follows:
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) advanced to the knockout stage by finishing second in Group H with 3 points. The small island nation off the coast of West Africa is experiencing a historic milestone, playing in their first-ever World Cup elimination match.
A potential controversy surrounds their captain, Ryan Mendes (36 years old). Reports from June 28, 2026, indicate he is under investigation in New Zealand for serious legal issues, which could impact his availability for the match against Argentina.
In a surprising tactical move, Lionel Messi started on the bench against Jordan, ending a remarkable streak of 24 consecutive World Cup starts dating back to the 2006 tournament in Germany. The Inter Miami star entered as a second-half substitute and quickly made his mark, scoring from a free-kick to remind fans of his enduring quality.
This rotation allowed several players to make their World Cup debuts, including Giuliano Simeone, Facundo Medina, Giovani Lo Celso, and Nicolás Paz. Scaloni's management of player fitness will be crucial as the tournament progresses into the high-stakes knockout rounds.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, July 3, 2026 |
| Time | 19:00 (Local Time in Miami) |
| Venue | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida |
| Stage | Round of 16 (2026 FIFA World Cup) |
| Broadcast | Telefe (Pablo Giralt and Juan Pablo Varssky) |
Emiliano Martínez (GK); Giuliano Simeone, Nicolás Otamendi (C), Facundo Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Exequiel Palacios, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso; Nicolás Paz, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez. Lionel Messi is expected to begin the match on the bench, available as a super-substitute.
Sources: Verified information regarding the 2026 World Cup. Argentina finished first in Group J with 9 points and will face Cape Verde (second in Group H with 3 points) in the Round of 16. All times and dates are preserved from original reporting.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
