When could Messi’s Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal face each other after the 2026 World Cup draw?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to experience what is expected to be their final World Cup in 2026—a chance for Messi to defend the title with Argentina, and a last opportunity for Ronaldo to chase the most coveted trophy in soccer. With the 2026 World Cup draw outlining each nation’s path, the question naturally arises: when could Argentina and Portugal meet on the global stage?

With the draw still going and rivals being revealed, Argentina will lead Group J. In this phase, Lionel Messi and company will be debuting in the competition against Algeria, then against Austria, and finally against Jordan.

Portugal, meanwhile, will headline Group K as they look to make a deep run of their own at the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo will be opening with the winner of the FIFA international playoff 1 (New Caledonia, Jamaica, or Congo DR), Uzbekistan, and finally against Colombia.

When could Messi and Ronaldo meet at the 2026 World Cup?

Drawn into different groups, Argentina and Portugal can only face each other in the knockout rounds. Depending on how both teams finish in their groups, they could collide in different stages in the tournament.

What if Argentina and Portugal finish first in their groups?

If Argentina win Group J and Portugal top Group K, both teams would be positioned on a path that allows for a potential meeting in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. Before reaching that stage, however, Messi and Ronaldo would need to navigate not only the round of 16 but also the expanded round of 32—one of the major additions to this new, enlarged World Cup format.

What if Argentina finish first and Portugal second?

Portugal could still stumble in the group stage, with Colombia pushing for first place or another surprise challenger emerging. If Ronaldo’s side finish second and Argentina finish first, Portugal would be placed on the left side of the bracket and Argentina on the right, meaning the only possible meeting would come in the final.

What if Portugal finish first and Argentina second?

A similar scenario plays out if the results flip. Should Portugal win Group K and Argentina finish second in Group J, Ronaldo’s team would land on the right side of the bracket and Messi’s on the left. Once again, their only possible meeting would be in the final.

What if both Portugal and Argentina finish second?

In a shocking twist, if both nations finish second in their groups, a Messi–Ronaldo World Cup final would be off the table. Drawn into the left side of the bracket, Portugal and Argentina would instead meet in the round of 16, the fifth match of the tournament.

Portugal vs. Argentina in the round of 32?

Because of their FIFA ranking positions, Argentina and Portugal were both placed in Pot 1, ruling out a group-stage meeting. But a round-of-32 clash remains a remote possibility. If Portugal win their group, they would face a third-place finisher from Groups D, E, I, J, or L. In the unlikely scenario that Argentina finish third and still advance, a Messi-Ronaldo showdown could happen as early as the round of 32.