Before kick-off, Argentina vs Spain final has already entered FIFA World Cup history

Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi (Image credit: Agencies)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain will create history even before kick-off at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.It will be the first FIFA World Cup match featuring the world’s top two ranked teams since the FIFA rankings were introduced in 1992, with Argentina entering the tournament as the No. 1-ranked side and Spain at No. 2.Argentina have also reached their seventh FIFA World Cup final, equalling Brazil for the second-most appearances in the title match.Only Germany, with eight finals, have played more.It is also Argentina’s first appearance in consecutive World Cup finals since 1986 and 1990.

Messi, Argentina chase history

The final pits Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina against a Spain side that has not lost a match in 37 games, a run stretching back to early 2024.Spain are aiming to win their second FIFA World Cup after lifting the trophy in 2010. Argentina, meanwhile, are bidding to become the first men’s team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expects 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.”Sunday’s final will be Messi’s first match against Spain since Argentina defeated the then world champions in an international friendly in 2010.The match will also see Messi share the field with Spain star Lamine Yamal, who was photographed with the Argentine legend as a baby nearly two decades ago.

Spain eye another record

Spain head into the final after one of the best defensive campaigns in World Cup history.La Roja have conceded just one goal in seven matches and have not trailed for a single second during the tournament.If they win the title, they will better the defensive records set by Spain in 2010, Italy in 2006 and France in 1998, all of whom conceded only two goals while winning the World Cup.