The round of 32 ends with dramatic upsets at the FIFA World Cup
Egypt sail through to the round of 32 as Argentina break Cape Verde hearts.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS — The round of 32 has been full of surprises and mouth-watering contests as teams have had to fight for survival. This has led teams to produce stellar performances in the knockout stage. Some have had to win it right at the end of the match.
Sylvia Sore, a Kenyan citizen and football supporter, was disappointed by the exit of African teams in the tournament but couldn’t be prouder of their magnificent performances. With nine out of ten teams making it out of the group stage, only two teams made it through to the last 16.
Egypt and Morocco are the only African teams remaining in the tournament. The Egyptians had to struggle to beat a stubborn Australia, with the match going into extra time. Even the added thirty minutes were not enough to separate the two sides, as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Egypt went ahead early in the first half after Emam Ashour scored in the 13th minute to put the Egyptians ahead. They managed to hold on to the lead but were devastated when Australia grabbed an equalizer through a Mohamed Hany own goal in the 55th minute.
The extra time was eventful as both teams tried to get the winner, but it would not happen, and the winner had to be decided on penalties. Egypt emerged victorious after scoring all four of their penalties, while Australia managed only two.
Lionel Messi celebrates with the fans as Argentina beat Cape Verde to advance through to the last 16 in Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens on July 4, 2026 at 6:32 PM. Photo: Petr David Josek/AP Photos.
It was not as smooth as it would have been assumed to be when Argentina met Cape Verde in the round of 32. Cape Verde has had an exemplary debut in the tournament, meeting good teams and matching what is brought against them. Argentina was added to the list when they met the Blue Sharks. In this match, Cape Verde came from behind twice to push the contest right to the end.
Argentina went ahead twice, but Cape Verde found a way to catch up. It was unfortunate that Cape Verde lost the match through a Diney own goal in the 111th minute of extra time. It was not expected, but not a huge surprise how Cape Verde performed, as they had already shown it in the earlier part of the competition.
“Cape Verde have been up to task since they joined the tournament. It was just unfortunate they had to face Argentina in the round of 32," said Sylvia Sore after Cape Verde's elimination.”
It might not be the best performances yet, but as the number of teams reduces in the tournament, the more exciting the tournament gets.