When Will Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi Meet at the World Cup? Portugal & Argentina's Knockout Paths Explained

The group stage of the 2026 World Cup concludes tonight, with the final two group stages involving Group J: Jordan vs Argentina and Austria vs Algeria.

Most teams already know their paths to the World Cup final, and it is now confirmed that Portugal and Argentina will be playing in the knockout stage.

Advertisement

This comes after Portugal drew 0-0 with Colombia, and the Portuguese side finished second in Group K. Many football fans paid attention to this result, as many fans want to see Portugal vs Argentina in the knockout stage.

Many fans demand a Portugal vs. Argentina matchup as fans want to see Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi face off one more time.

Unfortunately, Portugal finishing second and Argentina finishing first in their respective groups means the two teams cannot face off in the quarterfinals, which was what many fans expected to happen.

Advertisement

If Portugal had beaten Colombia, then Portugal would have been a potential opponent for Argentina in the quarterfinals.

Portugal and Argentina are on opposite sides of the knockout stage bracket, and the only way Ronaldo and Messi can play each other again is in the World Cup Final on July 19.

In the round of 32, Portugal will play Croatia, and Argentina will play Cabo Verde.

Click here to read article