At exactly 5 p.m. on Friday, three buses carrying the Argentina squad pulled up at the rear entrance of Hotel Adolphus in downtown Dallas. As expected, Argentine fans had gathered behind the five-star hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi and his teammates.
As the players stepped off the buses one by one, the crowd suddenly erupted in cheers. Lionel Messi emerged slowly, carrying his luggage. Before entering the hotel, he turned back, glanced at the fans, and gave them a gentle wave. The ecstatic supporters responded in chorus, chanting, "Messi! Messi! Argentina! Argentina!" before breaking into the familiar refrain of "Ole, Ole, Ola..."
If everything goes according to plan, Argentina are not expected to return to Dallas after their World Cup group-stage match against Jordan. Based on the projected knockout-stage bracket, that appears to be the case. For many Argentine supporters, this may be their final opportunity to watch Messi and the entire squad up close in Dallas during the tournament, so they were determined not to miss it.
Even before their final group-stage formality against Jordan in Dallas, Argentina had already secured Cape Verde as their Round of 32 opponents. The small island nation off Africa's west coast has continued its fairytale run. With a population of just 500,000, Cape Verde has made history by becoming the least populous country ever to reach the knockout stage of a World Cup. The defending champions Argentina will face Cape Verde in Miami on July 3.
With Cape Verde as their next opponents, Argentine fans believe reaching the Round of 16 should pose little difficulty. Brazil supporters, meanwhile, have not missed the opportunity to poke fun at Argentina over what they see as a favorable draw. Whether in celebration or sarcasm, the projected knockout bracket suggests that if Argentina overcome Cape Verde, they could face either Australia or Egypt in Atlanta in the Round of 16. Neither side is expected to present a major obstacle for Messi and company. That means, barring any major upset, Argentina's path appears relatively smooth until the quarterfinals.
The real challenge for Argentina could begin in the last eight. Their likely quarterfinal opponents are Colombia or Portugal, while Switzerland also remains a possible matchup. Football romantics, however, are hoping for a Portugal-Argentina showdown in Kansas City. Such a clash would pit two of football's greatest icons against each other. Although Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have faced each other many times throughout their careers, they have never met at a World Cup. Now, in the twilight of their careers—Messi at 39 and Ronaldo at 41—this could well be their final duel.
If Argentina survive that blockbuster encounter, Atlanta could witness a Superclásico on the world stage, with Brazil and Argentina meeting in the semifinals. Should that dream fixture become reality, one can only imagine the excitement and frenzy it would generate in Bangladesh. If Brazil fail to reach the semifinals, England could instead stand in Argentina's way.
Should Argentina navigate every knockout hurdle and reach the final, they are certain to face one of Europe's heavyweights. France tops that list, with Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany also possible opponents.
Having looked at Argentina's projected route, how easy—or difficult—is Brazil's?
Brazil begin their knockout campaign in Houston against Asian powerhouse Japan. Whenever Brazil and Japan meet in football, it is impossible not to mention Zico. The Brazilian legend played such a pivotal role in the development of Japanese football that many in Japan regard him as one of the architects of the country's footballing rise. But Zico's loyalty is crystal clear—once the opening whistle blows, he is Brazilian through and through.
Speaking to FIFA, Zico warned Brazil not to underestimate Japan.
"Japan have now reached a much more competitive level. Their players are also moving to Europe. Twenty-three of the 26 players in their squad play in Europe, regularly featuring in top leagues such as the Bundesliga, Serie A, and the Premier League."
If Brazil overcome Japan in the Round of 32, they could face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16 in New Jersey. Advancing beyond that would likely set up a quarterfinal in Miami against either Mexico or England. As mentioned earlier, a semifinal showdown with arch-rivals Argentina in Atlanta remains a real possibility. And if Brazil reach the final, they too are expected to face one of Europe's footballing giants—France, Spain, the Netherlands, or Germany.
Whether the road ahead proves easy or difficult for Argentina and Brazil, only one of the two South American giants can ultimately reach the final. There, they are likely to be challenged by one of Europe's traditional powers. History has shown that when the World Cup is staged in North or Latin America, this is often how the road to football's greatest prize unfolds.
Topics:
Football World Cup 2026
