The stage is set for the World Cup final on Sunday, concluding a tournament that began three years ago with 206 teams competing for a place in the 2026 competition. After a gruelling series of 102 matches held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, only two teams remain: Argentina, the reigning world champions, and Spain, the European titleholders. The final, initially scheduled to be played in Doha in March but postponed due to the war in Iran, now promises a compelling clash between two footballing powerhouses.

Historically, these sides have met once before in a World Cup match, dating back to the 1966 group stage at Villa Park, where Argentina narrowly defeated Spain 2-1. Since then, both nations have enjoyed significant success on football’s biggest stage. Spain’s lone World Cup triumph came in 2010 when Andrés Iniesta scored a decisive extra-time goal to secure a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in Johannesburg. Argentina, meanwhile, boasts three titles, all won with commanding offensive displays against European opposition. Their first came as hosts in 1978, with Mario Kempes scoring twice in a 3-1 victory over the Netherlands. In 1986, Diego Maradona led the team to a 3-2 win against West Germany, despite not scoring in the final. Most recently, Lionel Messi scored twice against France in the 2022 final, which ended 3-3, before netting a penalty in the shootout to secure Argentina’s third championship.

Argentina will aim to become only the third nation, after Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962), to successfully defend a World Cup title. The setting of the final in the United States also recalls the 1994 World Cup final held on American soil between Brazil and Italy, a match that ended in a goalless draw before Brazil triumphed on penalties. That historical precedent may offer hope to fans anticipating a thrilling encounter between South American and European football styles.

With contrasting legacies and styles, Sunday’s final holds the promise of a gripping contest as Argentina and Spain vie for global supremacy in front of a worldwide audience.