New York, Jun 26 (V7N) – As the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup progresses, several teams have already secured their places in the knockout rounds, while others have been eliminated from the tournament. Among the qualified teams, Brazil and Argentina have become the center of attention, with football fans eagerly anticipating a possible showdown between the two South American giants.
According to the tournament's knockout bracket, Brazil and Argentina could face each other in the semi-finals. However, both teams must first overcome the Round of 32, Round of 16 and quarter-final hurdles to keep that dream encounter alive.
Defending world champions Argentina have already finished top of Group J after winning their opening two matches. The Albiceleste defeated Algeria 3-0 before beating Austria 2-0, ensuring first place in the group. They are now set to face the runners-up of Group H in the Round of 16, with Uruguay and tournament debutants Cape Verde among the possible opponents.
Brazil have also booked their place in the knockout stage by finishing first in Group C with seven points. After opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, the Seleção recorded back-to-back 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland. Although Morocco also finished with seven points, Brazil topped the group thanks to a superior goal difference of +6, compared with Morocco's +3. Their Round of 16 opponents will be the runners-up of Group F, with the Netherlands, Sweden and Japan all remaining in contention.
The rivalry between Brazil and Argentina remains one of the most celebrated in world football. The two nations have met 106 times in official matches, with Argentina winning 41, Brazil 39, while 26 encounters ended in draws.
Recent meetings have favored Argentina. The Albiceleste have remained unbeaten in the last five encounters, including a convincing 4-1 victory over Brazil in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in March 2025. Argentina also defeated Brazil in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers and lifted the 2021 Copa América title after beating their arch-rivals in the final.
The prospect of a World Cup meeting between the two football powerhouses brings back memories of 2014, when many expected them to contest the final. However, Brazil's hopes ended with a historic 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany, who later defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final through Mario Götze's decisive goal.
If both South American giants continue their impressive form, football fans around the globe could finally witness one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup—a Brazil versus Argentina semi-final.
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