Defending champions Argentina will take on European champions Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, with both sides aiming to add another world title to their international honours.
According to comprehensive tournament data and background information available on the FIFA and ESPN websites, the month-long tournament, which began with 48 teams, has narrowed to two of international football’s strongest sides after 46 nations — including co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States, as well as former champions Brazil and Germany — were eliminated.
Spain’s route to the final
Spain recovered from a goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opening match to produce one of the tournament’s most consistent campaigns. Luis de la Fuente’s side has conceded just one goal in seven matches, during a 2-1 quarterfinal win over Belgium, before defeating France 2-0 in the semifinals.
Forward Mikel Oyarzabal has led Spain’s attack with five goals, including three in the knockout rounds. The Real Sociedad striker, who scored the winner in the UEFA Euro 2024 final, has again delivered in key moments.
Spain also showcased its attacking depth in the semifinal, where defender Pedro Porro sealed victory over France with a composed finish.
Argentina’s campaign
Argentina’s path to the final has been defined by resilience and narrow victories. Lionel Scaloni’s side needed extra time to overcome Cape Verde in the Round of 32, edged Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 following a VAR controversy, defeated Switzerland in the quarterfinals after Breel Embolo was sent off, and came from behind to beat England 2-1 in the semifinals.
Captain Lionel Messi has once again spearheaded Argentina’s campaign. The 39-year-old heads into the final level with France’s Kylian Mbappé on eight goals in the race for the Golden Boot. Lautaro Martínez has contributed three goals, while midfielder Enzo Fernández has scored twice, including in the semifinal victory over England.
Argentina secured its place in the final after Lautaro Martínez headed home Messi’s cross late in the semifinal to complete the comeback against England.
Argentina vs Spain: Head-to-head record
Spain holds a narrow advantage in the all-time head-to-head record between the two nations. Their meetings in official international football have generally been closely contested, highlighting the quality and tradition of both sides.
Historically, as rivalry trend information available on FIFA shows, the encounters between Argentina and Spain have been open, attacking contests featuring technically gifted players. While Spain dominated world football during its golden era between 2008 and 2012, Argentina has registered several significant victories in recent years, keeping the rivalry evenly balanced.
Overall head-to-head
• Matches played: 14
• Spain wins: 7
• Argentina wins: 6
• Draws: 1
Notable meetings
• 1966 (Friendly): Argentina 2-1 Spain
• 1974 (Friendly): Spain 1-1 Argentina
• 1995 (Friendly): Argentina 2-0 Spain
• 2006 (Friendly): Spain 2-1 Argentina
• 2009 (Friendly): Spain 2-1 Argentina
• 2010 (Friendly): Argentina 4-1 Spain
• 2018 (Friendly): Spain 6-1 Argentina
Despite Spain’s slight advantage in the overall record, the rivalry has remained highly competitive, offering little indication of a clear favourite heading into Sunday’s World Cup final.
Key statistics on performance of both teams in the current FIFA World Cup
(With data shows from ESPN)
Spain
• Unbeaten in the tournament with six wins and one draw.
• Conceded only one goal in seven matches, the best defensive record in the competition.
• Scored 13 goals, averaging 1.9 goals per game.
• Kept six clean sheets, including against Portugal, Belgium and France in the knockout stage.
• Mikel Oyarzabal leads the team with five goals, while Rodri and Fabián Ruiz have anchored Spain’s midfield.
Argentina
• Reached the final with seven consecutive victories while defending the title won in Qatar in 2022.
• Scored 17 goals in seven matches, averaging 2.4 goals per game.
• Produced comeback victories or late winners in multiple knockout matches, including against Switzerland and England.
• Lionel Messi has eight goals, level with Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race, while Lautaro Martínez has scored three and Enzo Fernández two.
• Lionel Scaloni’s side has won all four knockout matches despite being taken to extra time by Cape Verde and facing several closely fought contests.
Squads
Spain: Unai Simón, David Raya, Álex Remiro (goalkeepers); Dani Carvajal, Pedro Porro, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, Dean Huijsen, Alejandro Balde, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo (defenders); Rodri, Martín Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz, Pedri, Gavi, Mikel Merino, Fermín López, Álex Baena (midfielders); Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Samu Aghehowa, Yeremy Pino (forwards).
Argentina: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, Walter Benítez (goalkeepers); Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina, Nicolás Tagliafico, Valentín Barco (defenders); Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone (midfielders); Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González, Ángel Correa, Alejandro Garnacho, Valentín Castellanos (forwards).
