Argentina’s route to the World Cup 2026 final revealed as Lionel Messi targets back-to-back titles

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As defending world champions, Argentina know that every opponent will be desperate to knock them out of the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi and company begin their campaign in Group J, and their chances of retaining the trophy may depend on their finishing position in the standings.

Here’s how Argentina’s route to the final could unfold in each possible scenario.

Argentina as Group J winners

If Argentina top Group J, a projected round-of-32 clash with Uruguay could be followed by a last-16 meeting with Turkey.

That would pave the way for a blockbuster quarter-final against Portugal, potentially setting up a World Cup showdown between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Should Scaloni’s team come through those tests, England or Brazil are currently the likeliest opponents in the semi-finals.

A final against either European champions Spain or 2022 World Cup runners-up France could then await at MetLife Stadium.

Argentina as Group J runners-up

If Argentina are forced to settle for second place in Group J, they could face a daunting first knockout tie against Spain, likely followed by a last-16 clash with either Colombia or Croatia.

Further ahead, Belgium or co-hosts, the United States, are possible quarter-final opponents, while France or Germany could be waiting in the last four.

Should Argentina come through that gauntlet, a mouthwatering final against either England or Brazil could stand between Scaloni’s side and winning back-to-back World Cup titles.

Argentina as Group J’s third-placed team

If Argentina advance as one of the best third-placed teams, England are their projected opponents in the opening knockout round.

Either Norway or tournament co-hosts Mexico could potentially stand in the defending champions’ way in the last 16.

Things would not get any easier from there, with a quarter-final against Brazil followed by a possible semi-final clash with Portugal.

Spain or France would probably await in New Jersey if Argentina somehow emerge from their brutal route to the final.

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