Clarifying tournament rules
Bracket structure ensures that winners from specific groups are in the same half of the draw. Argentina and Spain could potentially meet before the final based on their group placements. The idea that they "won't meet before the final" isn't accurate, especially with past instances in mind. Since both teams are from different confederations, they could actually be drawn into the same group and face each other in the group stage. That's definitely a possibility!Explaining World Cup draw rules
It’s true that UEFA allows up to two teams per group in the men's World Cup, making the earlier claim incorrect. Argentina and Spain, being from different confederations, could actually be placed in the same group, allowing them to meet during the group stage. Additionally, they could face each other in knockout rounds, like the Round of 16 or Quarterfinals. I should clarify about the formats for recent World Cups, noting the shift from 32 teams to 48 in 2026!Clarifying tournament format
The 2026 World Cup format updates indicate there will be 12 groups of 4 teams. The top two from each group, plus eight of the best third-placed teams, will advance to a 32-team knockout stage. The bracket isn't entirely predetermined; it hinges on the complexity of mapping third-placed teams. Importantly, Spain and Argentina could still face each other before the final, even in the same group, since UEFA allows two teams per group. The only constraint is that other confederations can’t have more than one team in a group.Exploring tournament seeding rules
Yes, Spain and Argentina can indeed be drawn together since they belong to different confederations. Regarding seeds, Pot 1 teams can't be in the same group, which means if both teams are in Pot 1, they can’t be grouped together. They could, however, meet in earlier knockout rounds like the Round of 16, depending on how the groups play out—such as one finishing second. If both win their groups and are on opposite halves of the bracket, they'd only meet in the semifinals.Clarifying knockout round possibilities
Here’s a concise correction regarding whether Spain and Argentina can meet before the final:
Conclusion: The claim that they "won't meet before the final" isn't accurate.
Draw Constraints: Teams from the same confederation can't be in the same group (except UEFA can have two); Argentina and Spain can be grouped together.
Knockout Stages: They could meet in the Round of 16 or Quarterfinals if one finishes second or they're in the same half.
Only if a specific draw places them in opposite halves while both topping their groups would they only meet in the final.
Which World Cup are you referencing?