Messi vs. Ronaldo at the World Cup: How And Where Can It Happen?

Can the two GOATs meet? 

Lionel Messi is looking for his second World Cup title and his third appearance in a final of soccer's biggest tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to reach his first ever final. 

Here's how it can happen and where the potential clash could occur next summer. 

First, Messi and Argentina will need to win Group J. Those opponents include:

• June 16, 2026: Watch Argentina vs Algeria - Kansas City Stadium (9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT)
• June 22, 2026: Watch Argentina vs Austria - Dallas Stadium (1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT)
• June 27, 2026: Watch Argentina vs Jordan - Dallas Stadium (9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT)

On the flip side, Ronaldo and Portugal will need to win Group K. Those opponents include

• June 17, 2026: Watch Portugal vs Congo DR - Houston Stadium (1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT)
• June 23, 2026: Watch Portugal vs Uzbekistan - Houston Stadium (1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT)
• June 27, 2026: Watch Colombia vs Portugal - Miami Stadium (9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT)

From there, both Argentina and Portugal will need to reach the quarterfinals, which means both teams need to win their respective Round of 16 and Round of 32 opponents. 

Potential Messi vs. Ronaldo Game

• July 11: Kansas City Stadium (9 p.m. ET)

That will then set up a potential clash in the quarterfinals of soccer's biggest names at the home of the NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. You can expect plenty of star power to be at that stadium.

2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch

The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX and FS1 with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps.