Argentina's road to Finals of FIFA World Cup 2026

Lionel Scaloni becomes second Argentine gaffer to propel La Albiceleste to consecutive World Cup Finals after Carlos Bilardo

For the first time since 1990, La Albiceleste will feature in back-to-back FIFA World Cup Finals. Argentina have a tryst with destiny as they are set to take on reigning European champions Spain in the Finals of FIFA World Cup 2026.

The road to New York has not been an easy one for Lionel Messi and co. From dominating the group stage fixtures, registering back-to-back comeback wins to standing on the cusp of history, it has been nothing less than a roller coaster ride for Lionel Scaloni’s men.

The reigning champions of South America, Argentina, will play their seventh FIFA World Cup Finals and have a rare opportunity to add a fourth star to their badge. Lionel Messi will become the first Argentine captain to lead La Albiceleste to back to their third finals, after settling for a silver in Brazil 2014 and winning the gold in Qatar 2022.

After that win over England, Lionel Scaloni has also become the second manager after Carlos Bilardo, a former gynecologist to coach Argentina in their second World Cup Finals.

A win in the finals will etch his name in golden letters as he will become the first gaffer to win consecutive titles with the South American giants.

In this article, we take a closer look at Argentina’s road to FIFA World Cup 2026 Finals.

Group Stage: Argentina 3-0 Algeria

Kansas City Stadium in Missouri, USA geared up to host the first group stage encounter of Group J where reigning world champions Argentina locked horns with Algeria. The African outfit started the game strong and even scored the first goal before it was ruled out. There were doubts over Messi’s fitness, but as always, he silenced his critics after scoring a hattrick against Algeria to win it 3-0.

Group Stage: Argentina 2-0 Austria

The Dallas Stadium in Texas, USA hosted the second group staga fixture. This time, the challenge was not as easy as European outfit Austria, led by former Manchestre United gaffer Ralf Ragnick was leading the Austrians. Messi missed an early penalty. But he later scored a brace to win it 2-0 for Argentina.

Group Stage: Argentina 3-1 Jordan

After two out of two wins, the fate of the group was almost decided. Argentina became table toppers with a game to spare and Scaloni rested Messi and key players, who came from the bench to make an appearance. Despite that, Argentina went on to win the game 3-1 and finished the group stages with nine points.

Round of 32: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde

This was supposed to be a cake walk for Argentina, given their form in the group stages. The debutants on the other hand qualified after failing to win a single game. However, Cape Verde dragged the game to extra time and the score was 2-2 until Romero put pressure and an own goal in the 111th minute to win the game for Argentina.

Round of 16: Argentina 3-2 Egypt

This game at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia would go down as one of the biggest comeback stories in the history of the World Cup. Till the 75th minute, Egypt were leading 2-0 and Argentina were on the verge of elimination before goals from Romero, Messi and Enzo saw Argentina winning it 3-2 against seven time AFCON champions Egypt.

Quarter finals: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland

Argentina were back in Kansas City and up against them were Murat Yakin’s Switzerland, who were coming after a penalty win over Colombia. Alexis Mac Allister broke the deadlock early before Ndoye made it 1-1. Embolo got a red card in the 72nd minute and the Swiss boys defended with all their heart. But, Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored in extra time to win it for Argentina.

Semi Finals: England 1-2 Argentina

For the first time in FIFA World Cup 2026, Argentina were facing a team ranked below 10 in FIFA rankings. Barca starboy Gordon scored and till the 84th minute, Argentina were trailing but a series of attacks saw England fumble and goals from Enzo and Lautaro won the game 2-1 for Argentina as they made their way to back to back World Cup Finals.