The direct elimination draw of the 2026 World Cup left a scenario that excites millions of fans. Argentina and Portugal were located on opposite sides of the draw, so a confrontation between both teams could only occur in the grand final of the tournament.
Portugal advanced as second in Group K after overcoming a difficult group stage along with Colombia, DR Congo and Uzbekistan. Argentina, on the other hand, finished as the leader of Group J with a perfect score after beating Algeria, Jordan and Austria.
The Albiceleste’s path will not be easy. Lionel Scaloni’s team will open the knockout phase against Cape Verde and, if they advance, they will face the winner of the duel between Australia and Egypt for a ticket to the quarterfinals.
Portugal will also have a demanding route. The Portuguese will face Croatia in the round of 32 and, if they overcome that bracket, they will face the winner of the match between Spain and Austria, keeping alive the possibility of a dream final against Argentina.
If both teams reach the decisive match, This could become one of the most relevant duels of the century since it would confront two of the greatest figures in the history of football: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both playing what would be their last participation in a World Cup after six appearances over the last decades defending the colors of their national teams.
Portugal’s path to the final
- Sixteenths: Portugal vs. Croatia
- Eighth: winner of Spain vs. Austria
- Rooms: winner between Netherlands-Morocco or South Africa-Canada
- Semifinal: winner of the sector with Germany, Paraguay, France and Sweden
- End
Argentina’s path to the final
- Sixteenths: Argentina vs. Cape Verde
- Eighth: winner of Australia vs. Egypt
- Rooms: winner between Switzerland-Algeria or Colombia-Ghana
- Semifinal: sector winner with Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast, Norway, Mexico, Ecuador, England and DR Congo
- End
Beyond the difficulties that each crossing represents, the mere possibility of a final between Argentina and Portugal already generates expectations worldwide. It would be the perfect closure for two generations that marked an era of world football and the opportunity to see two of the most decisive footballers in history sharing the sport’s biggest stage for the last time in a World Cup.