Portugal and Argentina near World Cup 2026 quarterfinal clash

Portugal sit second in Group K with four points and must beat Colombia in their final group match in Miami to finish top and share a knockout bracket with Argentina. A win would set up a potential quarter‑final meeting between Cristiano Ronaldo’s side and Lionel Messi’s Argentina, the earliest stage at which the two stars could face each other in a World Cup.

Argentina have already secured the top spot in Group J and lead the tournament Golden Boot race with five goals, while Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland trail with four each. Cristiano Ronaldo added a brace against Uzbekistan, keeping Portugal in contention for the top scorer title.

After Argentina’s recent victory over Austria, Messi admitted he feels “tired and almost exhausted,” highlighting the physical toll of the tournament on the 39‑year‑old captain.