The five biggest dream matches at the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup in North America is expected to be the biggest tournament yet, featuring many competing countries and the possibility of high-profile matches later in the event. Argentina and Brazil are presented as the sport’s biggest rivals, with their last World Cup meeting dating to 1990, and the bracket structure making a quarter-final meeting the earliest possible scenario. A knockout matchup between them is considered unlikely, but a surprise final is framed as a compelling possibility. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have never met at a World Cup, and their final tournament appearances add emotional stakes. A potential matchup could also symbolize a passing of the torch, with Messi facing Lamine Yamal, while Spain’s title hopes intersect with Argentina’s desire for a final statement.

"Argentina and Brazil are the biggest rivals in the sport, and they haven't met in a World Cup since 1990. Because of how the bracket is set up this year the earliest they could meet is the quarter-finals, but there is always a dream that these two will face off with the title on the line."

"Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the two defining players of the 21st century who have faced each other several times at the club level in memorable El Clásico encounters for Barcelona and Real Madrid, but they've never met at a World Cup before. This will be the final appearance in the tournament for both legends, and how beautifully poetic would it be for their only World Cup encounter to take place on their farewell appearances."

"If Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's matchup would be the last meeting of the legends, this would be a passing of the torch between Barcelona greats as Messi would face off against Lamine Yamal, considered by many as Messi's successor in the Catalan capital. Yamal is already one of the very best players in the world and Spain are on the shortlist of favorites to win it all."

Read at Barca Blaugranes