File - An artist adds final touches to a painting featuring Argentina's Lionel Messi and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo in Amritsar. | Photo Credit: AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal confirmed its Round of 32 opponent on Sunday following a goalless draw against Colombia on Saturday.

With the result, Portugal finished second in Group K and will now face Croatia in the first knockout round in Toronto on July 3.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina had earlier confirmed its knockout berth by finishing top of Group J, and will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.

In which round can Messi and Ronaldo clash in FIFA World Cup 2026?

Portugal and Argentina have been placed in opposite brackets in the knockout stage. This means that the only way Messi and Ronaldo can clash in this World Cup would be in the final.

Interestingly, Messi and Ronaldo have never gone head-to-head in a World Cup game.

If Argentina is to get to the final, these are its potential opponents after Round of 32:

• Round of 16: Australia/Egypt
• Quarterfinal: Colombia/Ghana/Switzerland/Algeria
• Semifinal: England/Brazil/Japan/Ivory Coast/Norway/Mexico/Ecuador/DR Congo

If Portugal is to get to the final, these are its potential opponents after Round of 32:

• Round of 16: Spain/Austria
• Quarterfinal: USA/Bosnia/Belgium/Senegal
• Semifinal: Germany/France/Morocco/Netherlands/Paraguay/Sweden/Canada/South Africa

Published on Jun 28, 2026