World Cup 2026: An Argentina–Spain showdown in the round of 32?

26.06.26 FT World Cup

Uruguay

0

:

Spain

1

This is one of many possibilities. Having already secured top spot in Group J at the World Cup regardless of the results in matchday three, Argentina will face the runner-up from Group H—which could well be... Spain.

Could the 2026 World Cup serve up an Argentina–Spain clash as early as the round of 32? Currently leading Group H with 4 points, La Roja are not guaranteed to finish first in the standings.

World Cup 2026: The official and complete group stage schedule

Lamine Yamal and his teammates are set to face Uruguay, who sit second with 2 points, this Friday, June 26, 2026, at midnight GMT in a crucial battle for the top spot in Group H.

If Spain lose and Cape Verde either draw or lose to Saudi Arabia, Spain will finish second in the group, behind Uruguay but ahead of the Blue Sharks and the Green Falcons.

In this exact scenario, we would finally get our Finalissima—a much-anticipated showdown between Spain (European champions) and Argentina (South American champions), which was initially scheduled for March 2026 in Qatar before being cancelled due to the Middle East conflict.

The round of 32 clash between Lionel Messi’s Argentina and either Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde, or Saudi Arabia is slated for July 3, 2026, at 10:00 GMT at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

Related teams and leagues

Uruguay

Spain

World Cup