The World Cup group stage is yet to begin, but fans are already looking ahead to what promises to be a fascinating knockout bracket.
Based on Opta's projected tournament pathway, World Cup 2026 could deliver a series of heavyweight encounters long before the final. The expanded 48-team format means the knockout stage now begins with a Round of 32, creating even more opportunities for traditional powerhouses, emerging contenders and dark horses to cross paths.
From a potential England versus Brazil rematch more than two decades after their famous World Cup encounter to the prospect of Argentina and Portugal meeting on the road to the final, the bracket is already throwing up several mouthwatering possibilities.
Here are the knockout storylines that could define World Cup 2026.
France And Germany Could Be Heading For Another World Cup Classic
Should they top their respective groups, France and Germany could find themselves in the same half of the bracket, raising the possibility of another chapter in one of international football's great rivalries.
Germany are projected to begin their knockout campaign against Sweden, a side renowned for its organisation and defensive discipline. France, meanwhile, are expected to face Saudi Arabia, who famously stunned Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
Should both favourites progress through the opening rounds, a meeting between the two European heavyweights could become one of the defining fixtures of the tournament.
Between them, France and Germany have won eight World Cups and produced several iconic encounters over the years. While France have enjoyed success in recent meetings, Germany's tournament pedigree means they can never be overlooked.
For neutral fans, it would be a clash worthy of the latter stages of any World Cup.
The Netherlands And Morocco Could Renew A Growing Rivalry
One of the most intriguing projected knockout ties sees the Netherlands face Morocco. The Dutch are expected to dominate possession and dictate the tempo, while Morocco have built their reputation on defensive organisation, tactical discipline and devastating counterattacks.
Morocco's run to the semi-finals in Qatar made history and proved they belong among football's elite. Many of the players who starred during that campaign remain central to their plans heading into 2026.
With a potential route that could eventually bring France or Germany into the picture, the winner of this matchup may emerge as a genuine contender for a deep tournament run.
Spain Face A Treacherous Route Through The Knockout Bracket
Spain enter the tournament among the favourites after their recent success on the international stage.
Their projected Round of 32 clash with Austria may appear manageable on paper, but the road beyond that is far from easy.
The same section of the bracket could feature Croatia, Belgium and the United States, three teams with realistic ambitions of reaching the semi-finals.
Croatia have repeatedly shown their ability to thrive in knockout football, while Belgium continue to possess enough quality to trouble the world's best sides. The United States, playing on home soil, could also become a dangerous opponent if momentum begins to build.
Spain may be among the favourites, but their path through the left side of the bracket offers little margin for error.
England And Brazil Could Renew A Famous World Cup Rivalry
Few potential knockout ties would generate more excitement than England against Brazil.
The bracket places both nations in the same section, creating the possibility of a quarter-final showdown if they successfully navigate the earlier rounds.
For England supporters, the fixture would immediately bring back memories of the 2002 World Cup quarter-final.
Michael Owen gave the Three Lions the lead before Rivaldo equalised and Ronaldinho produced one of the tournament's most memorable moments, catching David Seaman off his line with a famous free-kick.
More than two decades later, England could have an opportunity to rewrite that chapter of their World Cup history.
Neither side can afford to look too far ahead. Brazil must first contend with a dangerous Japan side before potential meetings with Ecuador or Norway, while England's route could include DR Congo, Mexico or Senegal.
Still, if the favourites progress, England versus Brazil would instantly become one of the headline matches of World Cup 2026.
Argentina, Portugal And The Dream Semi-Final Scenario
The lower right section of the bracket may contain the tournament's most intriguing pathway. Argentina are projected to begin the knockout stage against old rivals Uruguay, while Portugal could face Ghana in a repeat of a fixture that has previously produced drama on the World Cup stage.
Should both teams advance through the bracket, a meeting between Argentina and Portugal could emerge in the latter rounds.
While Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may no longer dominate international football as they once did, both nations remain among the strongest contenders in the competition.
Argentina arrive as defending champions, while Portugal boast one of the deepest squads in their history.
A knockout meeting between the two nations would be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.
Could World Cup 2026 Finally Deliver Brazil Vs Argentina?
Every World Cup creates dream scenarios.
For many football fans, none would be bigger than Brazil against Argentina in a knockout match with a place in the final at stake.
The bracket places South America's two footballing giants on the same side, meaning a semi-final showdown remains a possibility if both navigate their respective routes.
The rivalry requires little introduction. The Clasico Sudamericano!
Five World Cup titles for Brazil. Three for Argentina. Decades of iconic players, unforgettable matches and endless debate over which nation stands above the other.
A World Cup semi-final would provide the perfect stage for another chapter.
A Tournament Built For Blockbusters
The beauty of the World Cup lies in its unpredictability.
The bracket may point towards potential clashes involving France, Germany, England, Brazil, Argentina and Portugal, but history suggests surprises are inevitable.
Morocco, Senegal, Japan, Norway, Mexico and Croatia all possess the quality to disrupt the plans of the traditional powers.
Yet if the favourites do take care of business, World Cup 2026 could deliver some of the most compelling knockout matchups the tournament has seen in years.
And with an extra knockout round now part of the competition, there are more opportunities than ever for football history to be made.
