Argentina and Spain are facing off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, marking the first time these two footballing giants have met on the World Cup stage in six decades. The last time they squared up in the tournament was a 0-0 draw during the 1966 group stage.
The July 19 final pits Argentina, the defending 2022 champions chasing consecutive titles, against a Spain side hunting its second World Cup trophy after lifting it in 2010. Both teams entered the match with dominant runs through the tournament, and the first half reportedly ended scoreless.
What’s happening on the pitch
Argentina made notable tactical adjustments for the final. Rodrigo De Paul, Nico González, and Gonzalo Montiel were brought into the starting lineup, while Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes, and Nahuel Molina dropped to the bench after the semifinal.
The head-to-head record between these two nations since their last World Cup meeting in 1966 is perfectly balanced: six matches, three wins apiece.
