BB.The dream scenario for millions of fans is gradually taking shape! After FIFA announced the schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026, a possibility that has caused a sensation in the football world has emerged: Lionel Messi facing Cristiano Ronaldo in the quarter-finals!
Following the draw for the 2026 World Cup group stage, FIFA announced the official schedule and knockout bracket, with the matchup between two football legends, Messi (Argentina) and Ronaldo (Portugal), being the most anticipated.
Ronaldo vs. Messi at the 2026 World Cup: A possible scenario
Coincidentally, this anticipated matchup could occur in the quarter-finals, as Argentina and Portugal could be in the same bracket. However, for Messi and Ronaldo to officially face each other, the two teams need to meet several important conditions.
FIFA has immediately scheduled the 2026 World Cup: Messi and Ronaldo to face off in the quarter-finals – Image 1.
Messi wants to go to the 2026 World Cup at 100% to help Argentina defend their title, so he has not yet confirmed his participation.
The simplest scenario in theory requires both teams to top Group J (Argentina) and Group K (Portugal). If this happens, they will be placed in the same group in the knockout round, creating the possibility of a quarter-final match.
Ronaldo and Portugal are in Group K, facing Colombia, Uzbekistan, and an intercontinental play-off opponent, possibly Jamaica, Congo, or New Caledonia. Meanwhile, Messi and the reigning world champions Argentina are in Group J, facing Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. In theory, both teams have a very good chance of finishing top of their group.
What the “big teams” said after the World Cup draw: Will there be a Ronaldo-Messi showdown?
If Argentina and Portugal qualify as group winners, they will need to successfully navigate the Round of 32 and Round of 16 to meet on July 11, 2026 (quarter-finals). This potential clash would take place in Kansas City and decide one semi-final spot.
This event will allow fans worldwide to witness Ronaldo and Messi potentially competing directly once again for a place in the semi-finals, fueling hopes of lifting the World Cup trophy in 2026.
FIFA has immediately scheduled the 2026 World Cup: Messi and Ronaldo face off in the quarter-finals – Image 2.
The groups in the 2026 World Cup group stage
For Argentina, if they top their group, in the round of 32 they could face Uruguay, in the round of 16 they could face Paraguay or Iran, in the quarter-finals they are likely to face Portugal, in the semi-finals Brazil or England and in the final Spain or a rematch with France like in the 2022 World Cup final.
According to Football Rankings, the bracket division based on the four highest-ranked teams in the FIFA rankings could also lead to an extremely intense quarter-final round in the 2026 World Cup. The tournament bracket will feature high-stakes matches, with one bracket potentially pitting France against the Netherlands and Spain against Belgium; the other bracket will see Brazil against England and Argentina against Portugal.
The specific groups for the 2026 World Cup are as follows:
Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Denmark/North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Ireland
Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Wales/Northern Ireland/Italy/Bosnia-Herzegovina
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay, Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo
Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Poland/Ukraine/Sweden/Albania
Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq or Bolivia/Suriname
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Congo or Jamaica/New Caledonia
Group L: England Croatia, Panama, Ghana
World Cup 2026 Group Stage Schedule
FIFA immediately scheduled the World Cup 2026: Messi and Ronaldo face off in the quarter-finals – Image 3.
FIFA immediately scheduled the World Cup 2026: Messi and Ronaldo face off in the quarter-finals – Image 4.
