Two weeks ago, nobody was talking about Spain vs. Argentina as a historic rivalry. That’s because it barely exists. Fourteen previous meetings, six wins each, two draws. One of those matches happened in 1966. That’s the only World Cup game they’ve ever played against each other. And Sunday at MetLife Stadium, all that changes.
Argentina is chasing its fourth World Cup and a repeat of the 2022 title. Spain wants its second championship, built on a defense that has allowed exactly one goal in seven matches. The winner breaks a deadlock that has held for nearly 60 years.
The 1966 game that still ties them together
The 1966 World Cup in England gave us the only Argentina-Spain meeting in tournament history. Argentina won 2-1 in the group stage, with Luis Artime scoring both goals. Pirri briefly leveled it for Spain. Argentina reached the quarterfinals that year. Spain went home early. Nobody on either current roster was alive. Not even Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who was born later. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was five years old. The teams haven’t met in a knockout round ever, let alone a final.
Sunday is the first World Cup elimination game between these two. It’s also the first time the reigning European champion (Spain) and South American champion (Argentina) will play for the sport’s biggest prize. There was no Finalissima this cycle. They just skipped straight to the trophy.
Last time they played, it was ugly
March 2018. Spain beat Argentina 6-1 in a friendly. Julen Lopetegui was coaching Spain. Scaloni was on Jorge Sampaoli’s Argentine staff. Both teams have remade themselves since then. Argentina won two Copas and a World Cup. Spain won a Euros. The 2018 game was two proud programs trying to find their footing. Sunday is two champions who already found theirs.
Lionel Messi has eight goals in this tournament. He’s the engine for Argentina. Lamine Yamal, the 19-year-old Spanish phenom, has scored once. Mikel Oyarzabal leads Spain with five goals. But Spain’s real advantage is on the other end of the field. That back line has been impenetrable.
How they got here
Argentina nearly lost in the semifinals. England pushed them to the edge before La Albiceleste broke through late for a 2-1 win. Messi’s celebration after the final whistle became the image of the night. Spain handled France 2-0 in a game that was never really close. Thierry Henry said after the match that Spain’s possession game was the difference.
“When Spain takes the ball, they make you go get it. You have to press better. We couldn’t take it off them,” Henry told Fox Sports. He also credited the broader system. “Spain never used to win like this. Now they win at every level.”
That’s the challenge for Argentina. Spain can frustrate you, wait you out, and strike when you slip. Messi at this level is the counterargument. Something has to give.
How to watch
Sunday, July 19. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kickoff at 3 p.m. ET. Fox has the English broadcast. Telemundo handles Spanish. Stream it on the Fox One App or Peacock for Telemundo’s feed.
The stakes are simple. Break the 6-6 tie. First World Cup knockout meeting between these nations. First on-field matchup between Messi and Yamal. Spain wants its second trophy. Argentina wants its fourth and a repeat nobody has pulled off since Brazil in 1962.
They’ve barely shared a history. Sunday gives them one.
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