World Cup 2026: Argentina's record in major tournament finals

19.07.26 AET World Cup

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Argentina have booked their place in the World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England. This qualification keeps Lionel Messi and his teammates on track for the dream of back-to-back world titles.

La Albiceleste are heading into their seventh tournament final—third in the last four editions—this Sunday against Spain at 19:00 GMT.

Their record: three wins (1978, 1986, 2022) and three losses (1930, 1990, 2014). Argentina have also clinched three Copa América finals, most recently against Colombia in 2024 since the competition's format changed. They were runners-up in 2004, 2007, 2015, and 2016.

Argentina's finals in major competitions

1930 - World Cup: Argentina vs Uruguay (2-4)

1978 - World Cup: Argentina vs Netherlands (3-1 aet)

1986 - World Cup: Argentina vs Germany (3-2)

1990 - World Cup: Argentina vs Germany (0-1)

1993 – Finalissima: Argentina vs Denmark (1-1, 5-4 pens)

1993 - Copa América: Argentina vs Mexico (2-1)

2004 - Copa América: Argentina vs Brazil (2-2, 2-4 pens)

2005 - Confederations Cup: Argentina vs Brazil (1-4)

2007 - Copa América: Argentina vs Brazil (0-3)

2014 - World Cup: Argentina vs Germany (0-1 aet)

2015 - Copa América: Argentina vs Chile (0-0, 1-4 pens)

2016 – Copa América Centenario: Argentina vs Chile (0-0, 2-4 pens)

2021 - Copa América: Argentina vs Brazil (1-0)

2022 - Finalissima: Argentina vs Italy (3-0)

2022 - World Cup: Argentina vs France (3-3, 4-2 pens)

2024 - Copa América: Argentina vs Colombia (1-0 aet)

Argentina's road to the 2026 World Cup final

As a seeded team, Argentina enjoyed a favorable group stage draw at the 2026 World Cup. The reigning champions lived up to expectations, winning all three matches—defeating Algeria (3-0), Austria (2-0), and Jordan (3-1)—to top Group J.

The knockout rounds brought stiffer challenges. In the round of 32, Argentina struggled to edge out Cape Verde 3-2, needing an own goal from Diney Borges (111’) in extra time. The Blue Sharks nearly forced a penalty shootout as they held firm until the dying moments.

In the round of 16, La Albiceleste found themselves trailing Egypt by two goals, only to stage a remarkable comeback in the final 10 minutes. Enzo Fernandez netted the winner at 90+3’.

Déjà vu in the quarterfinals: Argentina were level with Switzerland after 90 minutes (1-1), but pulled away in extra time thanks to Julian Alvarez (112’) and Lautaro Martinez (120+1’).

Against England, it again took two late goals to avoid heartbreak and secure a dramatic 2-1 win and a ticket to the final.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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