Argentina appear to have received the most favourable path to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after the knockout bracket was confirmed, with the defending champions avoiding several major title contenders until the latter stages of the tournament.
Lionel Scaloni’s side progressed through the group stage with maximum points and will begin their knockout campaign against Cape Verde in the Round of 32. While no knockout match can be taken lightly, Argentina’s route looks considerably less demanding compared to the opposite half of the draw.
Heavyweights set to eliminate each other
The other side of the bracket is packed with blockbuster fixtures that could see several favourites exit well before the semifinals. Germany and France are on course for a Round of 16 clash, ensuring one former world champion will be knocked out early.
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Portugal and Spain could also meet in the Round of 16, while Belgium and the Netherlands face equally difficult routes. With so many European heavyweights grouped together, only one team from that section can eventually reach the final, making it the tougher half of the draw.
Messi!
— Rebeca Fleitas (@becafleitasok) June 28, 2026
Que locuraaaaa pic.twitter.com/cEZb9q3bnH
The knockout bracket has effectively forced several title contenders to battle each other from the opening rounds, leaving little room for error.
Argentina’s path opens up
Argentina’s first challenge is Cape Verde, with Australia or Egypt awaiting in the Round of 16 should the defending champions progress.
A quarterfinal could see Scaloni’s men take on Switzerland, Colombia, Ghana or Algeria, while a potential semifinal may feature Brazil, England, Norway or Ivory Coast.
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Although every knockout match presents a different challenge, Argentina have avoided facing Europe’s biggest contenders until a possible final. That gives the reigning champions a significant advantage compared to rivals navigating a far more demanding path.
The expanded 48-team tournament has already produced several surprises, proving that no opponent can be underestimated. However, based on the confirmed bracket, Argentina have arguably been handed the smoothest route among the remaining contenders.
Whether they can take full advantage of that opportunity now depends on their performances over the coming rounds, but the road to another World Cup final certainly looks more favourable than that of many of their rivals.
