MIAMI, June 25 — The group stage is still unfolding, but fans are already looking beyond qualification and asking a more intriguing question: who might the favourites have to beat to lift the trophy?
With Brazil, Argentina, and France already through and England, Spain, and Portugal expected to follow, the emerging knockout pathways suggest a series of heavyweight encounters could await.
Brazil: Netherlands First, Then a Growing List of Giants
Brazil’s most likely Round-of-32 challenge could come from a group containing the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden, with the Dutch representing the standout threat.
If Carlo Ancelotti’s side progresses, potential Round-of-16 opponents could include Uruguay, Croatia, or Morocco.
The quarter-finals may then bring England, Spain, or Portugal into view, while a semi-final could feature France or Argentina, depending on how the bracket develops.
For the five-time champions, the route to the final could become increasingly difficult with each victory.
Argentina: Comfortable Start Before Bigger Tests?
Argentina is expected to avoid the biggest names in the opening knockout round, where opponents could include South Korea, Tunisia, or another third-placed qualifier.
A successful start could set up a Round-of-16 meeting with Morocco, Mexico, Denmark, or Switzerland.
The real danger may come later.
France, Germany, and even Brazil are among the calibre of teams that could emerge as quarter-final or semi-final opponents if Lionel Scaloni’s side continue their title defence.
France: Familiar Faces Could Await
France appears well-positioned to secure a favourable Round-of-32 draw, potentially against a third-placed qualifier.
The Round of 16 could bring Switzerland, Mexico, Senegal, or Denmark.
Beyond that, the conversation inevitably returns to Argentina.
A quarter-final meeting between the finalists from Qatar 2022 remains among the most attractive possibilities of the emerging knockout picture, while Brazil could loom beyond that.
England: Spain and Portugal on the Horizon
England’s likely Round-of-32 opponents include teams such as the United States, Poland, or Serbia.
Progression could then lead to Round-of-16 meetings with Colombia, Switzerland, Morocco, or Croatia.
Further ahead, Spain and Portugal appear among the most plausible quarter-final threats, while Brazil could await in the semi-finals.
It is a route that could force England to overcome several contenders simply to reach the final.
Spain: Little Margin for Error
Spain could begin the knockout stage against Canada, South Korea, Morocco, or another advancing side.
The Round of 16 may bring Uruguay, Croatia, Mexico, or Denmark.
Should Spain continue advancing, England and Portugal are among the names most likely to appear in quarter-final discussions, with Brazil potentially waiting one round later.
For a youthful Spanish side, the challenges may only increase as the tournament progresses.
Portugal: A Road Filled With Heavyweights
Portugal may open against one of the best third-placed teams before encountering opponents such as Colombia, Uruguay, Croatia, or Morocco in the Round of 16.
If Roberto Martinez’s team keeps advancing, England and Spain could become quarter-final obstacles.
A semi-final against Brazil is another scenario many observers are already discussing.
Few contenders appear to have a tougher potential route.
