NEW DELHI: Argentina have already achieved a major milestone before taking the field for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.The defending champions have reached their seventh FIFA World Cup final, equalling Brazil for the second-most final appearances in tournament history. Only Germany, with eight finals, have appeared in more title matches. It is also the first time since Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to consecutive World Cup finals in 1986 and 1990 that the country has reached back-to-back title matches. Argentina won the World Cup in 1986 before finishing runners-up in 1990. Their seven final appearances have come in 1930, 1978, 1986, 1990, 2014, 2022 and 2026.Maradona led Argentina to the 1986 FIFA World Cup title in Mexico, where they defeated West Germany 3-2 in the final. Four years later, he once again guided Argentina to the World Cup final, this time at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where they faced West Germany again.However, Argentina fell 1-0 after Andreas “Andi” Brehme converted an 85th-minute penalty, denying Maradona’s side back-to-back World Cup titles.Now, Lionel Messi has the chance to achieve what Maradona could not in 1990 – lead Argentina to consecutive FIFA World Cup titles. If Argentina beat Spain, they will become the first men’s team to successfully defend the World Cup since Brazil won back-to-back titles in 1958 and 1962.
Argentina, Spain set for blockbuster final
The final will pit defending champions Argentina against a Spain side that is unbeaten in 37 matches, a run stretching back to early 2024.Spain are chasing their second FIFA World Cup title after winning in 2010, while Argentina are looking to successfully defend the trophy they won in Qatar four years ago.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes fans are in for a memorable contest.“On Sunday, we will watch a great show. Two great national teams – two superteams, in my opinion – very similar in some aspects in terms of attitude, footballers’ talent. I think that it’s going to be an amazing final.”The 104th and final match of the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will decide whether Argentina retain their title or Spain lift the trophy for the second time.
