History will be made ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at the New Jersey Stadium in New York.This will be the first FIFA World Cup match between the world’s top two teams since the FIFA rankings were introduced in 1992, with Argentina entering as number one. The No. 1 team and No. 2 Spain.Argentina also reached the World Cup finals for the seventh time, tying with Brazil and becoming the team with the second most World Cup finals. Only the German team has reached the most finals, eight times. This is also the first time that Argentina has reached the World Cup finals consecutively since 1986 and 1990.
Messi, Argentina chase history
The final pit Lionel Messi Defending champions Argentina face Spain, which has gone 37 games without a defeat, a streak dating back to early 2024.Spain are aiming to win the World Cup for the second time after lifting the trophy in 2010. Argentina, meanwhile, is seeking to become the first men’s team to win the World Cup back-to-back since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is looking forward to a memorable game. “We’re going to watch a great show on Sunday. Two great national teams – in my opinion, two super teams – very similar in attitude, talent and so on. I think it will be a great final.”Sunday’s final will be Messi’s first against Spain since Argentina defeated the then world champions in an international friendly in 2010.The match will also see Messi share the pitch with Spanish star Lamine Yamar, who was photographed with the Argentinian legend nearly two decades ago.
Spain on track for another record
Spain reaches the final after one of the best defensive campaigns in World Cup history.Spain has conceded just one goal in seven games and has not trailed for a second during the tournament. If they win the title, they will break the defensive record set by Spain in 2010, Italy in 2006 and France in 1998, all three teams conceding just two goals when winning the World Cup.
