FIFA World Cup 2026: Draw makes Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo clash closer for Quarter-Finals? Here’s what you need to know

As FIFA has announced the group stages for the 42 teams which qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Fans have been anticipating whether they will be be able to witness the GOAT vs GOAT clash in this years world cup. Perhaps if one were to rely on the draw, the quatre-finals of the FIFA 2026 World Cup could be the perfect venue for the epic face off between Argentina’s star and Portugal’s star, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Why the face-off is possible in Quater-finals

The tournament bracket depicts that the only time Argentina would face Portugal is during the quarter-finals. The two teams begin their knockout-round on completely different sides in the bracket and even when one group wins first place and the other wins second place in the group, the bracket still does not allow them to play in the Round of 16.

Their potential paths are arranged in such a manner that there would be no early confrontation of two massive contenders, and the tournament would be even. That is why the quarter-finals might be considered the earliest stage for their confrontation, thus, the quarter-finals can be characterized as the earliest stage they might meet.

FIFA Group Stages Schedule And Venue

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

Group I

Group J

Group K

Group L

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