The remarkable Argentina record that points to World Cup glory against Spain

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17 July 2026

Only

Spain

stand in Argentina’s way of a second consecutive

World Cup

title and there’s a good omen that might point in their favour.

After breaking English hearts with their semi-final comeback,

Argentina

are gearing up for the final against

on Sunday. Interestingly, it will be a battle between the reigning champions of the Copa America and the Euros.

And Argentina’s record against European nations under current manager Lionel Scaloni makes for promising reading for the Albiceleste.

In fact, since Scaloni took charge of the national team in 2018,

have never lost to a European side from 11 meetings.

They of course beat France in the 2022

final via a penalty shootout, in their most significant win against a European side.

They also got their hands on a trophy after beating Italy 3-0 in the Finalissima, played between the winners of the past Euros and Copa America, in 2022. (Incidentally, the 2026 Finalissima was cancelled, but

and

still get to face off in the

final).

Obviously, opportunities for

to play European sides are limited to

games and friendlies.

Of the 11 games of the sort they’ve contested under Scaloni, four were at the 2022

and three have been at this one.

Scaloni’s overall record against European sides includes eight wins and three draws – two of which were settled by penalty shootouts that

won.

Funnily enough, his only game against a European side in his previous role with Argentina’s U20 side was a 2-1 win over Russia.

And back in his playing days, he was involved in a draw with Germany and a win over Hungary – the only times he played against a European country for

Not only does it all bode well for Argentina’s chances against

, who thrashed them 6-1 in their last meeting a few months before Scaloni’s reign began, but it serves to enhance the South American nation’s pride at their differing methods for producing players than their European counterparts.

Unlike European academy systems, there is a heavy focus on street football for youngsters in

, and less reliance on sports science.

“Argentina and Brazil are two countries where, sometimes out of necessity, kids still play football in the streets,” former Italy international Daniele De Rossi, who finished his playing career with Boca Juniors, once observed. “Football academies are very important, but they should never replace children’s recreational play. In Italy, street football no longer exists.”

The clash of styles in Sunday’s final between

will be fascinating. There’s no right or wrong way to produce players when you see the talent at either side’s disposal, after all.

But if Scaloni can preserve his unbeaten record against European sides, he’ll be getting his hands on the

trophy again.

Argentina 2-2 Germany (2019 friendly)

Argentina 3-0 Italy (2022 Finalissima)

Argentina 5-0 Estonia (2022 friendly)

Argentina 2-0 Poland (2022

group stage)

Argentina 2-2 Netherlands (4-3 on penalties) (2022

quarter-final)

Argentina 3-0 Croatia (2022

semi-final)

Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 on penalties) (2022

final)

Argentina 3-0 Iceland (2026 friendly)

Argentina 2-0 Austria (2026

Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (2026

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