The draw placed Argentina in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Portugal was drawn into Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan, and one of three playoff teams (Jamaica/New Caledonia/DR Congo).

If both Argentina and Portugal win their respective groups and advance past the round of 16 and round of eight, they will face each other directly in the quarterfinals. This potential clash could set up a highly anticipated showdown between superstars Messi and Ronaldo at the planet's biggest football event.

Ronaldo shakes hands with Messi before a friendly match between Portugal and Argentina at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 18/11/2014. *Photo: AFP*

Messi has not yet decided whether he will participate in the 2026 World Cup. The 38-year-old forward previously stated he doesn't want to be a burden to Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. He also left open the possibility of being part of the Argentina delegation to North America in the summer of 2026, perhaps in a different capacity, similar to Sergio Aguero at the 2022 World Cup when he was registered as a member of Argentina's coaching staff. If he plays, Messi will join Argentina at the tournament as the defending champion.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be the final World Cup of his career, when he will be 41 years old.

Ronaldo helped Portugal secure the first three major titles in their history: Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, but he has never won a World Cup. The 40-year-old forward holds the record for scoring in 5 tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022). His and his teammates' best performance was a 4th-place finish in 2006. Ronaldo has also not scored or assisted in 8 World Cup knockout stage matches.

In a recent interview with journalist Piers Morgan, the 40-year-old forward suggested that the World Cup should not be used to determine the greatest player in history.

From 2008 to 2023, excluding friendlies, Ronaldo and Messi have faced each other in 36 matches, with half of them occurring in La Liga. Messi's teams won 16, drew 9, and lost 11 matches. The former Barcelona star's individual record is also superior, with 22 goals and 12 assists, compared to Ronaldo's 21 goals and one assist.

An image of Messi and Ronaldo playing chess together, taken for a Louis Vuitton promotional campaign on 20/11/2022.

Following yesterday's draw ceremony, Vitinha identified Colombia as Portugal's toughest opponent in the 2026 World Cup group stage. "We know their players well, especially Luis Diaz, who is in excellent form, and Richard Rios of Benfica," the PSG midfielder stated.

Vitinha also expressed concerns about player fitness after a demanding season and the travel between 16 cities across North America. "We played the Club World Cup in the US, which gave us some idea of what an international tournament here would be like," he said. "After a long season, extensive travel will be challenging. We want to go far, but with as few trips as possible, while also considering the weather factor."

Hong Duy (via ESPN)