Patrick Mahomes is already looking ahead to a potential dream matchup at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback said he hopes Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both reach the knockout stage so he can watch the two legends play at Arrowhead Stadium.

Speaking in a recent interview with Flaunt Magazine, Mahomes discussed his growing love for soccer and revealed he already has tickets for matches at Arrowhead. His biggest wish is to see Argentina and Portugal end up on the same side of the bracket.

"If Argentina and Portugal both get the top seed, they'll be playing in one of the qualifying rounds at Arrowhead Stadium," Mahomes said. "That'd be a good one to see those greats play kind of towards the end of their careers."

When asked if he already had tickets lined up for that possibility, Mahomes smiled and added, "We need it. We need it!" as per Flaunt Magazine.

The three-time Super Bowl MVP also explained how soccer has become a much bigger part of his life over the last decade. But he did not grow up playing the sport, watching his wife Brittany's career changed that.

"I watched the World Cup growing up. I didn't play soccer," Mahomes continued. "But my wife played professional soccer, and so I have kind of fallen in love with the game over these last five to 10 years watching her play in college and professionally, and now owning the Kansas City Current with her and Sporting KC."

Mahomes added that he plans to attend several World Cup matches in Kansas City, at the same time he hopes that the United States can make a deep run in front of home fans.

Patrick Mahomes continues to follow the World Cup closely

Mahomes' excitement for the tournament has been visible throughout the competition, with the quarterback regularly reacting to matches and some of its biggest stars.

Mahomes attended Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium, where Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick to tie Miroslav Klose's all-time tournament goals record, as per Chiefs Wire.

After the match, Mahomes shared his appreciation for the Argentina captain on social media.

He also praised France forward Kylian Mbappe after his standout performance against Sweden in the Round of 32.

Following Mbappe’s brilliant opening goal, Mahomes posted a message on social media to describe the Frenchman. 

"@KMbappe is so cold," he posted following the tournament beyond his country’s matches, as per Athlon Sports.

Mahomes has also backed the United States throughout the World Cup, including reacting to Folarin Balogun's controversial red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

With the knockout rounds underway, he will now hope that the tournament bracket produces one final meeting between Messi and Ronaldo at Arrowhead Stadium.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote