Five potential knock-out stage opponents for Argentina in FIFA World Cup 2022

The South American nation are one of the favourites to win the tournament.

Messi has played in four World Cups throughout his career. The 2022 World Cup will be Messi's last chance to win it for Argentina. The last time Argentina came close to winning it was in 2014. Unfortunately, Messi's side lost to Germany in the final. However this time the Argentinians are well prepared and are in form. They just won the Copa America last year and are unbeaten in 36 matches. Argentina are the favourites alongside Brazil to win the 2022 World Cup.

Let's assess the five potential knock-out stage opponents for Argentina in World Cup 2022.

5. France (Round of 16)

Provided that Argentina wins their group, they can face France in the Round Of 16. The last time this happened was in the 2018 World Cup but at Argentina's demise. Deschamps France beat Argentina 4-3 in a thrilling match.

However this time Argentina can surely manage to beat France. Not only is Argentina in great form but France itself is lacking several players. Karim Benzema, Nkunku, Kante and Pogba are set to miss the World Cup. The presence of Benzema and especially Kante would have been crucial to put down Argentina. Despite France missing out on some players, they can still manage to outdo Argentina because of their squad depth. Kylian Mbappe is definitely a player to watch out for as he showed up last time against Argentina.

4. Denmark (Round Of 16)

Seems like quite an easy fixture for Argentina nonetheless Denmark are one of the underdogs in the World Cup. Denmark showed in the Euro 2020 that they are not an average team. They made it to the semifinals and lost against England. They beat Wales 4-0 and Czech Republic 2-1 on their way to the semifinals. Recently, Denmark showed no mercy in the World Cup Qualifiers winning nine out of 10 matches. The likes of Damsgaard, Poulsen, Kjaer, and Delaney are making headlines.

Argentina can find some difficulty beating Denmark in the Round Of 16.

3. Netherlands (Quarter-Final)

If Argentina manage to go through to the quarter-finals then they can face the Netherlands. This is on the assumption that the Netherlands are most likely to be the winner of their Group.

Louis Van Gaal's side are in form as well. Netherlands are on a 15-match unbeaten streak. Furthermore, they beat Senegal 2-0 in their World Cup opener. If the Netherlands manage to win their group then they can face the USA.

2. Germany (Semi-Final)

This would be a match for the history books. Messi and Argentina would definitely look to take their revenge against Germany. Though not as prestigious as a final, Argentina would definitely find pleasure in knocking out Germany. This fixture is on the assumption that Germany defeats Spain in the Quarter Finals.

However this time Germany has quite a different squad than they did back in 2014. The 2014 World Cup winners have many young players in their squad. Hansi Flick's arrival is definitely an upgrade but the players are taking time to adapt to his style of play. Nonetheless, it will be an interesting match because Germany have players like Sane, Gnabry, Muller and even Gotze with them.

1. Brazil (Semi-Final)

Besides Argentina, Brazil are the most favoured candidates to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It would not be surprising to see Brazil defeat Argentina as well. Brazil lost to Argentina in the Copa America final and ever since then, they are unbeaten in 15 matches. Brazil have failed to make it past three Quarter-Finals over the past four World Cups.

Neymar, Brazil's star player is key for all of their fixtures. The PSG superstar is in great form and is arguably the most essential player for Brazil in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. If Argentina do face Brazil in the Semi-finals, surely Neymar and Messi will play a prominent role to win the match for their home nation. This will surely be one of the best matches in the 2022 FIFA World Cup if it happens.