Spain-Argentina in World Cup Final: Who has the upper hand in the face-off?

In World Cup history, Spain and Argentina have faced each other only once. In that match during the 1966 edition, Argentina won 2-1. Luis Artime scored a brace for the team, while Spain's only goal was scored by Piri.

The two teams have never met again in the World Cup since then. Therefore, the 2026 final will be their second and most important World Cup clash. At the same time, this is the first time the current Copa America and Euro champions will face each other in a World Cup final.

However, considering all types of international and friendly matches, the two teams have faced each other 14 times so far. The rivalry is evenly matched. Argentina has won 6 matches, Spain has also won 6, and the remaining two matches ended in draws.

The two teams last met in a friendly match in March 2018. Spain won that match by a big margin of 6-1. However, the faces of both teams have changed significantly since then. Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina has won two Copa Americas and one World Cup. On the other hand, under Luis de la Fuente, Spain has won the European Championship.

Another interesting aspect of the final is that Lionel Messi and Spain's young star Lamine Yamal will face each other on the World stage for the first time. On one side, Messi will take the field with the aim of winning a second consecutive World Cup, while on the other side, Yamal will have the opportunity to make history by winning a World Cup at a young age.

Statistics show that Argentina is ahead in the only World Cup meeting. However, in the overall head-to-head record, the two teams are equal. Therefore, the 2026 World Cup final will not only determine the new world champion but will also give one team the edge in the Spain-Argentina rivalry.