Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will experience what is expected to be their last World Cup in 2026: a chance for Messi to defend the title with Argentina, and a final chance for Ronaldo to chase the most coveted trophy in football. With the 2026 World Cup draw outlining each country’s path, the natural question arises: when can Argentina and Portugal meet on the world stage?
With the draw still ongoing and rivals to be announced, Messi’s Argentina will take the lead in Group J. Portugal, meanwhile, will lead Group K as they look to make a deep run of their own at the 2026 World Cup.
When can Messi and Ronaldo meet at the 2026 World Cup?
Argentina and Portugal are drawn into different groups and can only meet in the knockout rounds. Depending on how both teams finish in their groups, they could clash at different stages of the tournament.
What if Argentina and Portugal finish top of the group?
If Argentina wins Group J and Portugal tops Group K, both teams would be on a path that allows for a potential meeting in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. But before they reach that stage, Messi and Ronaldo must not only progress through the round of 16, but also the extended round of 32 – one of the most important additions to this new, expanded World Cup format.
see also
FIFA World Cup 2026 final draw live: groups, pots, format and every update in real time
*Developing story…
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