With Lionel Messi scoring his eighth goal at the 2026 World Cup and tying a feat not seen since 1930, Argentina have cleared yet another hurdle in miraculous fashion, but several more challenges lie ahead. En route to fulfilling their dream of back-to-back FIFA World Cup championships, La Albiceleste will play Switzerland next, and they know where and when.
Moreover, thanks to the locked bracket system, Argentina have a clear view of what their path to the 2026 World Cup final could look like. Needless to say, Argentina will come across much tougher opponents than Egypt, whose FIFA ranking paints a clear picture of just how much of an underdog they were. Watching Argentina struggle as much as they did against the Pharaohs might be a concerning sight. But all they care about is moving on in the 2026 World Cup, and they did just that.
Still, La Albiceleste can’t take any rival for granted. Up next, Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals, as the Nati eliminated the Cafeteros in a penalty shootout. From now onwards, Messi and Argentina’s journey is set to cross with the paths of several powerhouses.
For the time being, La Albiceleste must be content to have fought to live another day and must lick their wounds before gearing up for the next battle. Needless to say, it won’t be for the faint of heart. Nothing ever is for Argentina. The 3-2 win against Egypt confirmed just that.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina.
Argentina’s path to 2026 World Cup final
Although Messi and his teammates will be the first to admit they are only focused on the next game in the schedule, they can’t resist but looking ahead. After Argentina defeated Egypt and advanced to the quarterfinals, they will take on Switzerland. As the Round of 16 has come to an end the full quarterfinals bracket is set.
In the semifinals, Argentina could be in for a historic clash against arguably their biggest rival—though for very different reasons—as England could potentially cross paths with La Albiceleste. However, Norway could also reach the semifinals, setting up the first-ever official match between Messi and Erling Haaland.
Regardless of who they face in a potential semifinal, it would surely be a game for the ages. As for the grand final, many expect Argentina and France to meet in a rematch of the greatest World Cup final in history (2022). However, the possibilities are seemingly endless—or, more accurately, just four: France, Morocco, Spain, or Belgium.
| Round | Possible opponents |
| Quarterfinals | Switzerland |
| Semifinals | Norway, England |
| Final | France, Spain, Belgium, Morocco |
Argentina’s dream path to World Cup final
If only storylines and drama are considered, Messi’s national team could be in for an incredible path that goes down in the history books. In the quarterfinals, a clash with Colombia would have been the most exciting matchup due to the South American rivalry.
However, Argentina will play Switzerland instead, in a rematch of the Round of 16 clash in 2014 (1-0 Argentina after extra time). In the semifinals, England would be the most compelling matchup in terms of the narrative arc.
Something similar applies to the final. Some may argue a rematch with France is the best option, while others could make the case that a matchup with the UEFA Euro champions, Spain, which would see Messi and Lamine Yamal share a pitch for the first time.
