After surviving a thrilling Round of 32 match, Lionel Messi and Argentina remain firmly in contention for another FIFA World Cup title. The reigning world champions defeated Cape Verde 3-2 to advance to the Round of 16, moving one step closer to a potential appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
With the knockout bracket now updated, here’s a look at Argentina’s route to the championship match and the opponents standing in Messi’s way.
Argentina Advances to the Round of 16
Argentina secured its place in the Round of 16 after defeating Cape Verde in an entertaining 3-2 victory. The win keeps Lionel Messi’s hopes of adding another World Cup trophy to his legendary career alive.
Now, Argentina faces another difficult challenge as every match becomes a win-or-go-home contest.
Argentina’s Updated Path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
Round of 16
Opponent: Egypt
Date: Tuesday, July 7
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Argentina’s next challenge comes against Egypt. A victory would send Messi and company into the quarterfinals.
Quarterfinal Scenario
If Argentina defeats Egypt, it will advance to face the winner of:
- Switzerland vs. Colombia
The quarterfinal will take place on Saturday, July 11.
Switzerland has been one of the tournament’s surprise teams, while Colombia advanced after eliminating Ghana in the Round of 32.
Potential Semifinal Opponents
Should Argentina reach the semifinals, the reigning champions could face one of four remaining contenders:
- Brazil
- Norway
- Mexico
- England
The semifinal is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15.
A potential clash with Brazil would be one of the tournament’s biggest matches, while England and Mexico have also looked like serious title contenders throughout the competition.
Who Could Argentina Face in the World Cup Final?
If Argentina wins its semifinal, it will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on:
Date: Sunday, July 19
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
The opponent would emerge from the opposite side of the bracket, which includes:
- Canada
- Morocco
- Paraguay
- France
- Portugal
- Spain
- United States
- Belgium
Several of those nations have previously reached the World Cup semifinals or final, setting up the possibility of another blockbuster championship match.
Argentina’s Complete Road to the Final
Here is Argentina’s updated route to lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy:
- Round of 16: Egypt (July 7)
- Quarterfinal: Winner of Switzerland vs. Colombia (July 11)
- Semifinal: Winner of Brazil vs. Norway or Mexico vs. England (July 15)
- Final: Winner from the opposite half of the bracket (July 19)
Can Lionel Messi Lead Argentina to Another World Cup Title?
Argentina entered the tournament among the favorites and has successfully navigated the group stage and the Round of 32. With Lionel Messi leading an experienced squad, the defending champions remain one of the strongest teams left in the competition.
However, the road to another World Cup title will not be easy. Egypt presents an immediate challenge, and potential matchups against Switzerland or Colombia, followed by powers such as Brazil, England, or Mexico, would test Argentina before it could even reach the final.
If Argentina can continue its winning run, Messi could find himself playing in yet another FIFA World Cup Final on July 19, with a chance to add another chapter to one of the greatest careers in football history.