The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup wraps up tonight with the final Group J fixtures, as Jordan take on Argentina and Austria face Algeria.
With the group stage nearing its conclusion, the knockout bracket is almost fully set. Portugal and Argentina have both officially secured their places in the Round of 32.
Portugal booked their spot after a goalless draw against Colombia, finishing second in Group K. The result drew significant attention from football fans, many of whom were hoping for a Portugal vs. Argentina showdown in the knockout rounds.
The prospect of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi meeting one last time on the World Cup stage has captured the imagination of fans around the world. However, Portugal's second-place finish and Argentina's top-place finish in their respective groups mean the two sides cannot meet in the quarterfinals, as many had anticipated.
Had Portugal defeated Colombia and topped their group, they could have been on a collision course with Argentina in the last eight.
Instead, Portugal and Argentina have been placed on opposite sides of the knockout bracket. As a result, the only possible opportunity for Ronaldo and Messi to face each other again would be in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on July 19.
In the Round of 32, Portugal will face Croatia, while Argentina will begin their knockout campaign against Cabo Verde.
