- By Samannay Sen
- Mon, 29 Jun 2026 02:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- The biggest talking point among fans isn't just whether Argentina or Portugal can reach the final.
- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have defined an era of football unlike any before.
- Fans can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 matches through the official FIFA broadcast partners.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage has officially come to an end, and the road to lifting football's biggest prize is now set. With the Round of 32 fixtures confirmed, all eyes will once again be on two of the greatest footballers of this generation – Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The biggest talking point among fans isn't just whether Argentina or Portugal can reach the final, but who has the tougher route. Looking at the knockout bracket, Lionel Messi's Argentina appears to have received a comparatively smoother path, while Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal will have to navigate through some of Europe's biggest powerhouses if they are to reach the grand final.
Interestingly, the two legends can now meet only in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, keeping alive the dream of one final Messi vs Ronaldo showdown on the biggest stage.
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Argentina's Road Looks Comparatively Easier
Argentina finished on top of their group and will begin their knockout campaign against tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32. On paper, Lionel Scaloni's men will enter the contest as overwhelming favourites.
Should they progress, Argentina are likely to face either Egypt or Australia in the round of 16 with Colombia or Australia in the next round before a possible blockbuster semi-final against England or Brazil. While none of these matches will be straightforward, the overall bracket appears significantly easier compared to the one awaiting Portugal.
Portugal Face A Mountain To Climb
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, however, have been handed arguably the toughest route in the tournament.
After finishing second in their group following a draw against Colombia, Portugal will first take on Luka Modric's Croatia in the Round of 32. The 2018 World Cup finalists possess enough experience to trouble Roberto Martinez's side from the opening knockout game itself.
If Portugal advances, the challenge only becomes harder. Their side of the bracket includes Spain, Belgium, France, and Germany, meaning Ronaldo could potentially have to overcome multiple former world champions just to book a place in the final.
For many fans, Portugal's half of the draw resembles a "group of death" in knockout form.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Bracket: Road To The Final
With 32 teams still in contention, the knockout bracket promises several mouth-watering clashes over the next few days.
Image Credits: FIFA.com
Argentina's Possible Route
Round of 32: Cape Verde
Round of 16: Colombia/Australia
Quarter-final: Egypt or another emerging contender
Semi-final: England or Brazil
Final: Possible Portugal, France, Spain, or Germany
Portugal's Possible Route
Round of 32: Croatia
Round of 16: Spain
Quarter-final: Belgium
Semi-final: France or Germany
Final: Possible Argentina
Top Five Round of 32 Matches To Watch
- Netherlands vs Morocco (Monday, June 29)
- France vs Sweden (Tuesday, June 30)
- Mexico vs Ecuador (Tuesday, June 30)
- Portugal vs Croatia (Thursday, July 2)
- Argentina vs Cape Verde (Friday, July 3)
Each of these fixtures carries its own storyline, but Portugal against Croatia and Argentina against Cape Verde are expected to attract the biggest global audience with Ronaldo and Messi beginning what could be their final World Cup knockout campaigns.
Can Football Finally Get One Last Messi vs Ronaldo Final?
For over two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have defined an era of football unlike any before. The 2026 FIFA World Cup could be the final chapter of that historic rivalry.
The bracket has ensured that both superstars are on opposite sides, meaning the only possible meeting between them would come in the World Cup final. While Argentina appear to have a more favourable road, Portugal's journey will require them to survive a series of heavyweight clashes.
Where To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Matches?
Fans can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 matches through the official FIFA broadcast partners in their respective countries. In India, the matches will be available on Unite8 Sports 1 & 2 / ZEE5, with every knockout fixture being telecast and streamed live.