Spain and Argentina Enter the Knockouts — and Their Paths Could Cross Sooner Than Expected
Spain and Argentina kick off their 2026 World Cup knockout campaigns. La Roja face Austria while Messi takes on Cape Verde, the side that made history in the group stage.
The 2026 World Cup has reached the stage that separates the dreamers from the genuine contenders — and two of the biggest title favourites step into the knockouts with very different missions.
Spain arrive in the round of 32 as the most consistent side in Group H. Luis de la Fuente's La Roja navigated the group stage with a goalless draw on matchday one against Cape Verde, then dismantled Saudi Arabia 4–0 before closing with a win over Uruguay, finishing top of the group with the best goal difference. Lamine Yamal, Pedri — Spain have never been shy about the talent at their disposal.
On the other side of the bracket stands Austria, who reached the knockout round in dramatic fashion. In Group J, the Austrians drew 3–3 with Algeria in a match straight out of a screenplay: Arnautovic opened the scoring, Belghali equalised, Sabitzer turned it around, Mahrez levelled in stoppage time — and Kalajdzic headed in the qualifier deep into added time. Ralf Rangnick got his side through by the skin of their teeth, but through they are.
It was in that very same Group J that Messi's Argentina dominated with ease, finishing as outright group winners. The Albiceleste now face Cape Verde — a side that made history by advancing from the group stage for the very first time at a World Cup.
Golmetria's model gives Spain a 19% chance of lifting the trophy and Argentina a 20% chance — two powerhouses separated by the narrowest of margins at the top of the table. The market, according to available data, points to Spain as the clearer overall favourite.
If both giants progress, the draw could place them on a collision course before the semi-finals. For now, the focus is firmly on the present: Spain play at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 2 July.
The World Cup is only just getting started — and the best chapters are still to come.