FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi, Ronaldo and 10 storylines defining the knockout stage

Anticipation is bubbling for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the possibility of Messi and Ronaldo gracing the final stage one last time. Canada and various African squads are stepping into the spotlight, shaking up the usual hierarchy. The draw has crafted daunting routes for many, ensuring that as history unfolds, a new football icon is on the verge of creating their legacy.