The FIFA World Cup has been a Pandora’s box of surprises over the years: a good mix of exciting clashes and some big upsets. The next edition of the tournament is expected to follow the same path.
After the World Cup draw, which was completed on Friday, Sports stars looks at possible matchups in the round of 32 of the tournament:
Argentina vs Spain/Uruguay
Defending champion Argentina could be in a difficult position in the round of 16, as the country could play against Spain or Uruguay if it finishes in the top two of Group J.
Lionel Scaloni’s team was humiliated by Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the 2022 World Cup. This time the Spain of Luis de la Fuente, champion of the Euro and Nations League, and Uruguay under head coach Marcelo Bielsa, who was in charge of Argentina for six years between 1998 and 2004.
Brazil/Morocco versus Netherlands/Japan
The permutations could pit Brazil or Morocco against the Netherlands or Japan, depending on how the groups end. On paper, Brazil and Morocco are expected to take the top two places in Group C, while the Netherlands and Japan are favorites to progress from Group F.
The Dutch have not lost to Brazil this century, with their last defeat coming in an international friendly in 1999. At the 2014 World Cup, the Netherlands defeated Brazil 3-0 to take third place.
As Carlo Ancelotti continues his rebuild, his first opponent after the group stages could prove to be a tough test.
That includes Japan, the giant killer of the 2022 World Cup that defeated Germany and Spain to advance to the round of 16. The Samurai Blue, who finish in the top two, will face Brazil or Morocco, another giant killer of the 2022 World Cup who defeated Portugal and Spain to finish fourth.
Colombia/Portugal vs England/Croatia
As in the match against Brazil, each potential top-two combination from Groups K and L looks to be a tight battle, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal getting the chance to face England for a place in the pre-quarter-finals.
Ronaldo is said to have vivid memories of another match in England 19 years ago, when his then teammate Wayne Rooney was sent off in the quarter-final. Portugal ultimately won that match on penalties; Ronaldo converted one of three for his country.
Meanwhile, two former Real Madrid stars, Luka Modric and James Rodriguez, could both be playing in their last World Cup and will look to make it count if and when they meet in a Colombia vs. Croatia match.
Ecuador vs Norway
Norway have reached the World Cup for the first time since 1998 thanks to the brilliant form of Erling Haaland, who finished the qualifiers as the highest goalscorer.
The Norwegians beat Italy to achieve direct qualification and could take on Ecuador from South America, which defeated teams such as Uruguay, Chile and Colombia in the qualifiers, for a place in the round of 16.
Australia vs Iran
The match will look more like an AFC Asian Cup final and will pit two former Asian champions against each other if both finish second in their respective groups
While Iran is the most successful side at Asian level, having won three Asian Cup titles compared to Australia’s, the Socceroos have a better record at the World Cup, having reached the round of 16 in the last edition.
Iran, on the other hand, has not progressed past the group stage in six matches in the tournament. In the 2026 edition, it will face stiff competition from Mohamed Salah’s Egypt and Chris Wood’s New Zealand.
Published on December 6, 2025
