Could we see an Argentina-Brazil match this World Cup?

With the 2022 FIFA World Cup well underway, the football fever has truly gripped the fans. In Bangladesh, where most fans support Brazil or Argentina, their fervent support is clear to see. Excitingly for fans, an Argentina vs Brazil showdown is very much possible this World Cup.

Here's how we might see a Brazil vs Argentina match this World Cup.

If Argentina and Brazil both end up as group champions

In this scenario, fans will get an epic faceoff between these teams in the first semi-final, given everything goes to plan.

Argentina's path

If they become Group-C champions, Argentina will come up against the runners-up of Group-D in the round of 16, which might be a tricky encounter against one of France, Denmark (Group-D favourites) or even Australia (probably not Tunisia). Progressing into the quarter-finals, the Albiceleste will face one of the teams from Groups A or B. Possibilities include the Netherlands and England, with Senegal, USA, or Wales having an outside chance.

Brazil's path

Brazil has genuine cause to feel hard done by the draw. Navigating a tricky Group-G (facing Cameroon, Switzerland and Serbia), the Selecao are certain to face one of Group-H's teams (Ghana, Portugal, South Korea, or Uruguay… could be anyone, really) in the round of 16. It doesn't get any easier from here, as one of the Groups E and F teams will be waiting. The more likely candidates for Brazil's quarter-finals opponents are Germany, Spain, Belgium or Japan. Croatia, Morocco, Costa Rica or Canada could cause upsets and show up as well.

Argentina and Brazil both end up as group runners-ups

Again, we will see a semi-final clash (this time the second semi-final) between Brazil and Argentina. However, their progression paths will become a lot trickier.

Argentina's path

After the defeat to Saudi Arabia, finishing runners-up, and getting a complicated tie against Denmark or France in the round of 16 becomes more realistic for Argentines. In the quarter-finals, chances are high that Argentina will have to navigate one of the Netherlands, England, Senegal, USA, or Wales before progressing to the semi-finals.

Brazil's path

For Brazil, the stakes get even higher as it will be all but assured that they will face one of Portugal, South Korea or Uruguay in the round of 16. In the quarter-finals, a rematch of the 2018 World Cup quarter-final against Belgium is their most realistic option, followed by potential match-ups against Croatia, Germany, or Spain.

If Brazil emerges from both these matches unscathed, they will have truly established their credentials as a worthy contender this time, making Argentina's job even tougher in the potential semi-final showdown.

Argentina becomes group champions, while Brazil end up as group runners-up

For neutrals, it's the ultimate dream setting – a Superclasico in the biggest game of them all. Fans will be hoping the pieces fall in place so everyone can enjoy peak South American football in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final.

Argentina's path

After a tricky round-of-16 match against Group-D runners-up, Argentina will be pitted against one of the Netherlands, England, Senegal, USA, or Wales in the quarter-finals.

In the semis, Argentina might see a showdown against Germany, Spain, Belgium, Uruguay, South Korea, Cameroon, or Portugal. All these games will be significant in their own right, as Argentina might finally get their chance at revenge over Germany for 2014, or fans might witness the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry's last dance on the world stage.

Brazil's path

As mentioned before, Brazil will almost certainly get Portugal, Uruguay or South Korea in the round of 16 if they are group runners-up. In the quarter-finals, a chance at redemption vs Germany or Belgium, or a tough encounter against Spain, Croatia, Costa Rica, Japan, or Morocco awaits the Brazilians.

If they pass these hurdles, a tantalising semi-final showdown against the Netherlands, England, Poland, Denmark, France, USA, Mexico, or Senegal awaits the Selecao. If they pass these tests, fans can see the dream final of the FIFA World Cup played between Brazil and Argentina.

Argentina end up as group runners-up while Brazil become group champions

We will see a World Cup Final Superclasico in this setting as well, but the path will become riskier for Argentina to navigate.

Argentina's path

In this case, Argentina will be assured a tricky tie against Group-D champions in the round of 16, which is expected to be a straight shootout between current World Champions France and the spirited Denmark.

In the quarter-finals, one of Groups A or B teams awaits, with Netherlands, USA, England and Senegal again being the pick of the bunch. If Argentina gets England, the game promises to be feisty due to the countries' past political hostility during the Falklands War of the early 1980s.

For the semis, the Argentines have their work cut out as they might face Portugal, Uruguay, Germany, Spain or Belgium. 

Brazil's path

If they successfully steer through one of Ghana, Portugal, Uruguay or South Korea in the round of 16, Brazil will be rewarded with a quarter-final against Germany, Spain, Belgium, Croatia or Morocco. If they pass these two hurdles, a semi-final date against Netherlands, England, Denmark or France awaits the Selecao.

The path to any draw during the World Cup knockouts is a winding maze full of ifs and buts. With so many thrills and spills ongoing, this adventure promises to be an emotional rollercoaster for both fans and players alike. Despite that, an Argentina vs Brazil tie in the World Cup is something which football fans around the world crave to see.

Inqiad is a passionate Bucks fan and a certified Giannis stan. Contact him at inqiadali007@gmail.com