World Cup 2026: Argentina, a "Brazil 2002" scenario?

07.07.26 FT World Cup

Argentina

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Egypt

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After Colombia's elimination by Switzerland on penalties, CONMEBOL is left with just one representative in the quarter-finals of the World Cup: Argentina. This is the first time since Japan-South Korea 2002 that this has happened.

This scenario brings back fond memories for South American football. Back then, the Seleção was the only team from its confederation to reach the quarter-finals—and they went all the way to the title.

Ronaldo and his teammates defeated England (2-1) in the quarter-finals, Turkey (1-0) in the semis, and then secured the title by beating Germany (2-0) in the final. That was Brazil's fifth World Cup triumph.

Argentina can take inspiration from their archrivals and look to defend their crown against a field that now includes six European sides and just one from Africa (Morocco).
Led by Lionel Messi, the Albiceleste must first overcome Switzerland in the quarter-finals, this Sunday, July 11 at 1 a.m. GMT in Kansas City. Should they advance, they'll face the winner of Norway vs England on July 15 in Atlanta for a place in the final.

In the final, the Albiceleste could face one of four teams from the other half of the bracket: Morocco, France, Spain, or Belgium.

European squads in force

Argentina now faces a determined European contingent, all eager to lift the trophy. In fact, it's the first time since the 1994 World Cup in the United States (which had seven) that six European teams have reached the quarter-finals.

France, Spain, England, Norway, Belgium, and Switzerland are all vying to secure a 13th World Cup for Europe. Meanwhile, Argentina is chasing what would be an 11th title for South America.

No nation from Africa, Asia, Oceania, or the North/Central American region has ever won the trophy.

Argentina aiming to emulate Brazil and Italy

Lionel Scaloni's men are determined to defend the title they claimed four years ago in Qatar after a dramatic final win over France (3-3, 4-2 on penalties). In history, only two national teams have managed to retain the trophy.

Italy won the World Cup at home in 1934 after beating Czechoslovakia in the final (2-1 after extra time), then repeated the feat four years later in France, defeating Hungary (4-2) in the final.

Brazil also lifted back-to-back trophies, first in 1958 in Sweden against the hosts (5-2 in the final), and again in 1962 in Chile with a 3-1 win over Czechoslovakia.

One last title for Lionel Messi?

With 8 goals so far in the tournament, Lionel Messi is dreaming of delivering a second consecutive World Cup to his homeland. Already a legend, La Pulga—playing in his final World Cup—is determined to end his international career on the ultimate high note.

The Inter Miami striker could be about to script one of the greatest finales in football history.

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.

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