India, Dec. 7 -- The official schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was released on Saturday, featuring 48 nations competing across North America, and reigning champions Argentina and Portugal could be on a collision course in the quarterfinals. It opens up the possibility of a blockbuster showdown between modern-era greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in what may be their final World Cup appearance.

Messi, who will turn 39 during next summer's tournament, has yet to confirm whether he will appear in his sixth World Cup. Argentina have been drawn in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan. The 2026 edition, to be held from June 11 to July 19 across Mexico, the United States and Canada, is expected to be Cristiano Ronaldo's fin...