Predictions galore: From a witch doctor to a President’s claim – Cape Verde can shock Argentina

Last Updated on 30 June 2026

It started as a viral curiosity. It has since become something far more serious. As Cape Verde prepare for the biggest match in their footballing history against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, the predictions keep stacking up from increasingly unlikely sources.

Even the defending champions’ own manager sounds nervous. But Cape Verde have shown that writing them off is not the best of ideas. They tend to elevate their game against the best.

But the question is, can they shock Argentina in the World Cup?

From spiritual curses by witch doctors to presidential confidence: Cape Verde are serious

Ghanaian witch doctor Nana Kwaku Bonsam first made headlines after claiming he had cursed Harry Kane ahead of England’s clash with Ghana: a game that finished goalless, with Kane missing several presentable chances.

Riding that viral momentum, Bonsam turned his attention to a fixture that has nothing to do with Ghana at all. “Cape Verde will eliminate Argentina from the World Cup,” he declared, going further still by predicting Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will ultimately lift the trophy.

Then came something altogether more remarkable. Jose Maria Neves, the president of Cape Verde, gave an exclusive interview to the BBC predicting his nation would beat the reigning world champions. “I think Cape Verde can beat Argentina 1-0.” he said.

“We went to this World Cup to write our own destiny, which is, facing champions. So we are going to face Argentina and Messi with the same determination, same will, and with a desire to win and reach the next phase.” Bubista, the coach had already echoed the sentiment.

The president added: “We have 100% faith, 100% hope, and it would completely sweat out its jersey. So, we have a 100% chance to win against Argentina.”

Lionel Scaloni’s warning to Argentina isn’t just diplomacy – It’s concern

Here is what makes all this more than idle prophecy. Argentina’s own manager sounds genuinely worried. Speaking after Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan, Lionel Scaloni was unusually direct. “On Cape Verde, I’m not surprised they qualified.”

Then, he added, “They made things very difficult for every opponent they faced. They are a tough team and they’ll make life difficult for us. They frustrated Spain, one of the tournament favourites. Uruguay couldn’t beat them, and neither could Saudi Arabia.”

He went further still. “Based on everything we’ve seen at this World Cup, we have to be very careful. They play good football, they have quality, they’re fast, and even though some people might think it won’t be a contest, I can assure you they’ll make things difficult for us.”

Scaloni even raised concerns about FIFA’s scheduling, with the fixture kicking off in brutal afternoon heat at Hard Rock Stadium: a venue without a roof covering the pitch. “It’s a difficult kickoff time to understand because it’s going to be very hot in Miami,” he said pointedly.

The numbers behind Scaloni’s caution are real. Cape Verde have conceded just twice in three group games, held Spain scoreless, came from behind to draw with Uruguay and shut Saudi Arabia out entirely. Vozinha has been immovable in goal.

Argentina remain overwhelming favourites, priced at -600 by the bookmakers, and few expect the witch doctor’s curse or a president’s bold call to materialise into an upset for the ages. But Cape Verde’s remarkable story suddenly feels less impossible than the markets suggest.