Fans across the globe have voiced their opinions that FIFA has arranged the World Cup draw to benefit Argentina, making it easier for the team to reach the finals. According to the draw results, Argentina is set to face Cape Verde in the Round of 16. Should they win, Lionel Messi and his teammates will likely meet the winner of the match between Australia and Egypt in the quarter-finals.

Argentina has been placed in a relatively easy group, and in the quarter-finals, they will encounter one of four teams: Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia, or Ghana. It is only in the semi-finals that La Albiceleste may face a significant challenge from either England or Brazil, barring any surprises.

In contrast, the other half of the draw includes some of the strongest teams from Europe, such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Belgium, along with the host nations, the USA and Canada. Notably, powerhouse teams like France and Germany, as well as Spain and Portugal, may have to clash as early as the Round of 16.

Given this scenario, many fans believe that FIFA has shown favoritism towards Argentina by creating a path that appears to lead them more easily to the finals. One fan commented, "I don't want to say FIFA is rigging it, but only England and Brazil seem to be the toughest opponents in Argentina's bracket. It looks like Argentina's road to the finals is wide open." Another added, "It's quite a coincidence that Argentina ended up in such an easy bracket for the finals." A third fan remarked, "Argentina has the easiest path in World Cup history."

Despite the skepticism from fans, Argentina has had a remarkable group stage, winning all three of their matches against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Messi has made history as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 19 goals and is the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. Even at 39 years old, Messi continues to impress, leading the scoring chart at the 2026 World Cup with six goals after three matches.

The match between Argentina and Cape Verde is scheduled to take place at 5 AM on July 4.