Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL THERE BE EPIC REUNIONS AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
What if we see a repeat of Argentina vs. France? Or Brazil vs. Germany like in 2014? The 2026 World Cup, with 48 teams and 104 matches, increases the chances of reliving clashes that defined generations. We present the possible reunions steeped in history, the facts behind each one, and why they could happen in the next World Cup. For fans of great football and World Cup nostalgia, this analysis is a must-read.
Modern Classics That Could Be Repeated
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest in history, and with it come more potential clashes between teams that already have scores to settle. Some recent matches have left their mark and could be repeated to write another unforgettable chapter.
Argentina vs. France: The Trilogy
After an unforgettable 4-3 in 2018 and the legendary Qatar 2022 final, where Argentina triumphed on penalties after a memorable 3-3 draw, this matchup has become the quintessential modern classic. Messi, Mbappé, and a story worthy of a movie. If both teams advance to the knockout stages, they are likely to meet again.
France eliminated Argentina in the 2018 Round of 16.
Argentina won the 2022 final on penalties.
Mbappé has 4 goals in those 2 matches.
Brazil vs Germany: Revenge or another thrashing?
The 7-1 defeat in 2014 still resonates in the collective memory of Brazilians. If they meet again, emotions will run high. Brazil would be looking for revenge, and Germany to consolidate their resurgence after a disappointing group stage in 2022. Both teams have the potential to go far and meet again in the quarterfinals or semifinals, depending on the draw. It would be a clash of styles: South American exuberance vs. German precision.
Head-to-head: Germany 5 wins, Brazil 5, 1 draw.
Last World Cup meeting: 7-1 in the 2014 semifinals.
In 2002, Brazil won 2-0 in the final.
These ingredients make this reunion a pure adrenaline rush for any fan.
Clash of Generations and Legends
Beyond the usual classics, the 2026 World Cup could pit generations with very different styles and figures against each other, and therein lies much of its magic. Old glories who may be saying goodbye against young stars ready to take the baton.
The Last Messi vs. Mbappé?
If Messi decides to play his sixth World Cup, and Mbappé keeps up his pace, we could see another episode of this duel between the best of his generation and his natural heir.
It would be a kind of symbolic farewell to the football throne.Cristiano Ronaldo and a European Reunion
If CR7 is still fit and playing in 2026, he could face teams like Spain again, the team that eliminated him in 2010. Portugal has a young and dynamic generation, ideal for building a new history with their eternal captain still active.
Messi: 13 World Cup goals.
Cristiano: the only player to score in 5 World Cups.
They could both coincide for the last time in the same tournament.
New Rivalries
Watch out for England and their young generation: Bellingham, Foden, Saka, and company have the potential to create rivalries with France, Argentina, or Brazil. And if they face the 2022 finalists, the clashes could be historic.
2026 will be a crossroads of eras. A tournament that could see the retirement of legends and the rise of future global stars.
Unexpected clashes with hidden history
There are matches that don't seem epic at first glance, but if we look back, we discover silent rivalries. The 2026 World Cup could also revive those clashes that few remember, but that left scars.
Uruguay vs Ghana: Suárez's handball
Do you remember that quarter-final match in South Africa 2010? Luis Suárez prevented a goal with his hand, was sent off, but Ghana missed the penalty. Uruguay advanced on penalties. Since then, there's a thirst for revenge in Ghana that still burns. A rematch in 2026 would be an emotional bombshell.
Mexico vs. Netherlands: “It wasn't a penalty”
Brazil 2014. Round of 16. A controversial penalty on Robben eliminated Mexico. Since then, “It wasn't a penalty” has become part of the Mexican football vocabulary. A clash in 2026 could have the flavor of poetic justice… or of new trauma.
Ghana has never beaten Uruguay in a World Cup.
Mexico has a negative record against Europeans.
The Netherlands were runners-up 3 times.
Croatia vs England: the trilogy?
They faced each other in 2018 (semifinal) and 2020 (Euro). Each match was tense, evenly matched, and full of emotion. If they meet in 2026, we could have a glorious rematch between two distinct schools of thought: Croatian technique and English physical power. Not all reunions are obvious, but that makes them all the more epic.
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