Argentina face the weight of history when they take on Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, needing to defeat a couple of 'curses' as well as a brilliant opponent. The defending champions booked their spot in the final thanks to a dramatic 2-1 win over England on Wednesday in Atlanta. Spain had already secured their place in the final thanks to a 2-0 victory over France, in what was one of the most impressive performances of the tournament so far.
Historic Final: Continental Champions Clash
This is the first World Cup final played between two reigning continental champions, with Spain having conquered Europe in 2024 and Argentina winning the Copa America in the same year. Remarkably, it is only the second time the two countries have met in the World Cup and the first meeting since 1966. Sixty years ago, Argentina beat Spain 2-1 in the group stage at Villa Park, before losing to the host nation in the quarter-finals. The players preparing to play in New Jersey on Sunday will not be worrying about that match in Birmingham six decades ago, but there is some history leaning on Argentina ahead of this World Cup final.
Back-to-Back Champions Curse
Having won the World Cup in 2022, Lionel Scaloni's team is looking to defend the title, which has not been done for a long time. Brazil were the last nation to go back-to-back at the World Cup, doing so in 1958 and 1962. Italy also managed the feat in 1934 and '38. There have been chances for countries to go back-to-back since 1962, with three nations beaten in the final when looking to defend the World Cup. They were Argentina in 1990, Brazil in '98 and France in 2022.
FIFA Rankings Curse
Another interesting quirk of history is that no team rising high at number one in the FIFA rankings has ever won the World Cup. Argentina find themselves at number one after the semi-final win over England, so will have to become the first nation to triumph from top spot. FIFA introduced the rankings in 1993, so it is not such a lengthy 'curse' but another page of the history books that Argentina need to rip up in New Jersey.
Spain's Records in Sight
Spain can create some history of their own if they manage to keep Argentina out as they can set the record for fewest goals conceded by a World Cup winner. Luis de la Fuente's side has conceded just once on their way to the final, with the defensive record being two conceded, set by France ('98), Italy ('06) and Spain ('10). Goalkeeper Unai Simon has already set the record for most clean sheets at a single World Cup with six. If Spain lift the trophy then they will also set a record for the longest unbeaten run in international football. They have not lost in 37 matches since March 2024, putting them level with the number set previously by Italy and Argentina.
