CORNERFLICK
The final round of 2026 World Cup group games has set the knockout picture, with all 16 teams through and the eliminated sides confirmed. The tournament features 48 teams in 12 groups, with the top two in each group joined by the eight best third-placed teams in the last 16.
Argentina finished top of their group after a 3-1 win over Jordan and will face Cape Verde in the round of 32. Portugal came second in their group and meet Croatia next, which sets Cristiano Ronaldo against former Real Madrid team-mate Luka Modrić.
That result also removed the chance of an early meeting between Argentina and Portugal. Had Portugal beaten Colombia and topped their group, the two sides could have been drawn against each other in the early knockout rounds.
As it stands, Messi and Ronaldo can only meet again if both teams keep winning and reach the final in 2026.