Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Saturday, 06 December 2025, 09:39 / Updated Saturday, 06 December 2025 10:19
After a marathon two-hour draw, there was good news for fans of the two football legends, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: the draw made it possible for the two giants to finally face off in the World Cup.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could meet in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in what could be their last head-to-head match. The two emblematic players of the 21st century will perform for the last time at the most prestigious tournament next summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi can meet in the quarterfinals of the World Cup
After the draw, which lasted over two hours and took place in Washington DC, it became clear that the lifelong rivals had a chance for one last big showdown.
Ronaldo's Portugal are seeded in Group K, where they will face Colombia, Uzbekistan and the winner of the intercontinental play-off involving Iraq, Suriname and Bolivia. Argentina were placed at the top of Group J, along with Austria, Algeria and Jordan.
If both teams win their groups and make it past the first two knockout rounds, they could meet on July 11 in the quarterfinals at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. This match would undoubtedly capture the attention of the entire football world.
All 2026 World Cup groups:
In case of a qualification, Romania will be part of group D, which also includes the United States of America, Paraguay and Australia. To be at the World Cup, the “tricolors” must pass Turkey in March, then the winner between Kosovo and Slovakia.
