Argentina's route to FIFA World Cup 2026 final: Possible opponents for Lionel Messi & Co.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is relying on the core of the team that triumphed in 2022.

Argentina entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 as defending champions and have so far lived up to expectations. Lionel Scaloni’s side finished top of Group J after navigating a section that also included Algeria, Austria and Jordan, securing their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare.

The reigning world champions have once again shown their depth across the squad, combining experienced figures such as Lionel Messi, Nicolás Otamendi and Emiliano Martínez with the emerging influence of players including Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister.

The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams has introduced a Round of 32 for the first time in World Cup history, meaning Argentina now need to negotiate five knockout matches if they are to successfully defend their crown.

Even though the draw looks good against the other side of the bracket, Argentina may have to deal with some tough opponents from Africa, Europe and South America before making it to New Jersey for the final.

Argentina’s Round of 32 opponent: Cabo Verde

Argentina’s knockout campaign kicks off against one of the tournament’s stories to date, Cabo Verde. The African nation reached the knockout stages on their World Cup debut after finishing second in Group H behind Spain and ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

On paper, Argentina will start as favourites, but Cabo Verde have already shown defensive discipline and organisation throughout the tournament. The winner will move into the Round of 16.

Date, Time, and Location: July 04, 2026 (3:30 AM IST) – Miami Stadium

Argentina’s possible Round of 16 opponent: Egypt or Australia

Should Argentina overcome Cabo Verde, their most likely Round of 16 opponents are expected to come from the section involving Egypt and Australia.

Egypt have impressed during the tournament with Mohamed Salah leading the attack, while Australia have once again shown their ability to compete in knockouts after moving ahead from a difficult group. Both teams have finished as runners-up in their respective groups.

Date, Time, and Location: July 08, 2026 (9:30 PM IST) – Atlanta Stadium

Who could Argentina face in the quarter-finals?

If Argentina progress to the quarter-finals, they are most likely to face Group K winners Colombia. Switzerland and Ghana could also emerge as potential opponents should either side put together a deep run in the knockout stages.

Date, Time, and Location: July 11, 2026 (5:00 AM IST) – Kansas City

Who could Argentina play in the World Cup semi-finals?

The semi-finals could potentially produce one of the marquee fixtures of the tournament.

Brazil and England are widely viewed as the strongest contenders to emerge from the opposite side of the bracket, although Norway and Japan have also produced impressive performances and remain firmly in contention to reach the final four.

Any of the four would make Argentina a tough match in the final stages of the tournament.

All possible opponents for Argentina in the semifinal: Brazil, Norway, England, Japan.

Date, Time, and Location: July 15, 2026 (3:30 AM IST) – Dallas Stadium

Who could Argentina play in the World Cup final?

Argentina would be back in the knockout bracket on football’s biggest stage for the second consecutive tournament if they get through to the knockout phase.

Those on the opposite side of the draw in Spain and France will be considered the favourites to reach the final, although Germany and Morocco are still in contention to throw up an upset. While Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal could also meet Argentina in the final.

Argentina would go on to try to become the first country to successfully defend the men’s World Cup title since Brazil in 1962 when it heads to the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Date, Time and Location: July 20, 2026 (12:30 AM IST) – MetLife Stadium