New Zealand police told NBC News “an allegation is under investigation” but wouldn’t confirm whether Ryan Mendes is a suspect. He hasn’t been charged.

Cape Verde’s magical ride ended Friday in the Round of 32, with the Blue Sharks falling to Lionel Messi and defending World Cup champion Argentina — as most expected. Final score: Champions 3, Cinderellas 2, in extra time — as probably very few expected.

The tiny African nation was eliminated from the World Cup by one of soccer’s biggest powers, Argentina, but there was still plenty to celebrate.

By Gabriel Araujo KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 4 (Reuters) - Argentina advanced to the World Cup last 16 with a 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, but the reigning champions left the match with new doubts after being pushed to the brink by the tournament debutants.

Cape Verde shocked the world by going into extra time with Lionel Messi and Argentina in the World Cup round of 32.

Few people can believe that Cape Verde, out of all nations, was one to tie with Spain 0-0 in one of the most jaw-dropping results of the 2026 World Cup thus far. For Cape Verde to only give up one foul against Spain is simply ridiculous, and they made it ...

Argentina's bid to become the first nation since Brazil more than 60 years ago to win back-to-back World Cups heads into the knockout rounds on Friday, as Lionel Messi and Co., face tournament darlings Cape Verde in Miami on Wednesday (6 pm ET).

We all knew this World Cup would be good on the pitch. In truth, they always are. But this summer has been so dramatic – and Friday has a David vs. Goliath story.

Ryan Mendes, the captain for Cape Verde’s national soccer team, is under investigation by police in New Zealand over allegations he raped a woman in March. Mendes, Cape Verde’s all-time leading scorer,

Cape Verde’s soccer team has been practicing in Tampa ahead of every match in the World Cup. The team wasn’t expecting to make it far, but they’ve become a Cinderella story of sorts and advanced to the knockout stage.