By Teddy Nwanunobi
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters a decisive phase with the confirmation of the Round of 32 fixtures, following the conclusion of an action-packed group stage, Josimar José Évora Dias would be happy to have his wish granted for him.
Also known as Vozinha, the Cape Verdean goalkeeper had wished to play against Messi one day in his career.
”I hope one day to play against Messi, because for me he is an exceptional player,” he said before the tournament started.
According to a release on the FIFA website on Sunday, there will be no hiding place for Vozinha now, as he is set to face Messi and Argentina in the Round of 32 of the ongoing 2026 World Cup.
The confirmed Round of 32 fixtures include: South Africa vs Canada (on June 28, at Los Angeles Stadium), Brazil vs Japan (on June 29, at Houston Stadium), Germany vs Paraguay (on June 29, at Boston Stadium), Netherlands vs Morocco (on June 29, at Estadio Monterrey), Ivory Coast vs Norway (on June 30, at Dallas Stadium), France vs Sweden (on June 30, at New York New Jersey Stadium), Mexico vs Ecuador (on June 30, at Mexico City Stadium), and England vs DR Congo (on July 1, at Atlanta Stadium).
Others are: Belgium vs Senegal (on July 1, at Seattle Stadium), United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (on July 1, at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium), Spain vs Austria (on July 2, at Los Angeles Stadium), Portugal vs Croatia (on July 2, at Toronto Stadium), Switzerland vs Algeria (on July 2, at BC Place, Vancouver), Australia vs Egypt (on July 3, at Dallas Stadium), Argentina vs Cape Verde (on July 3, at Miami Stadium), and Colombia vs Ghana (on July 3, at Kansas City Stadium).
With a place in the Round of 16 at stake and the dream of lifting football’s most coveted trophy still alive, the stage is set for a thrilling knockout phase as teams continue their quest for World Cup glory.
Daily NewsCraft reports that the knockout phase now raises the stakes considerably. Unlike the group stage, there are no second chances, with winners progressing to the Round of 16 and losers immediately exiting the tournament.