Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo in FIFA World Cup: 2026: Which knockout round could Argentina and Portugal face off in?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal confirmed their opponents in the Round of 32 on Sunday after a goalless draw against Colombia on Saturday.

The result saw Portugal finish second in Group K and will now face Croatia in the first knockout round in Toronto on July 3.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina had earlier confirmed their knockout place by finishing top of Group J, and will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.

In which round could Messi and Ronaldo clash in FIFA World Cup 2026?

Portugal and Argentina have been placed in brackets in the knockout stages. This means that the only way Messi and Ronaldo can clash at this World Cup is in the final.

Interestingly, Messi and Ronaldo have never faced each other in a World Cup match.

If Argentina wants to reach the final, these are its potential opponents after round 32:

• Round of 16: Australia/Egypt

• Quarter-final: Colombia/Ghana/Switzerland/Algeria

• Semi-final: England/Brazil/Japan/Ivory Coast/Norway/Mexico/Ecuador/DR Congo

If Portugal wants to reach the final, these are its potential opponents after round 32:

• Round of 16: Spain/Austria

• Quarter-final: USA/Bosnia/Belgium/Senegal

• Semi-final: Germany/France/Morocco/Netherlands/Paraguay/Sweden/Canada/South Africa

Published on June 28, 2026