Spain vs Argentina - Top five encounters in history ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

La Roja and La Albiceleste have faced each other just once before in the FIFA World Cup.

We are down to the final two teams in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Spain and Argentina get ready to tie their laces for the final. Both nations are the champions of their respective continents and are coming into the match ranked #1 and #2 (in the FIFA men’s ranking).

Argentina have made it a habit of registering late comebacks in this tournament. Their never-say-die attitude has been the backbone of their success. Spain, on the other hand, boast a tight defence and have overcome a tough path to make it to the final.

This is only the second time these two nations are facing each other in a ‘non-friendly’ match. Here are five encounters from yesteryears. These games have shaped this rivalry and give us an idea of what to expect.

Also read: Spain vs Argentina: What happened last time they met in FIFA World Cup?

Top five encounters

S.No.	Result	Tournament	Year
5	Argentina 1-0 Spain	Friendly	1952
4	Argentina 2-1 Spain	FIFA World Cup	1966
3	Spain 2-1 Argentina	Friendly	2009
2	Argentina 4-1 Spain	Friendly	2010
1	Spain 6-1 Argentina	Friendly	2018

5. Argentina 1-0 Spain – Friendly match 1952

The first ever matchup between these two nations took place in 1952. The game was played in front of 72,000 supporters at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. The close encounter saw Argentina pick up a 1-0 win that day.

Their solitary goal was scored by Ricardo Infante.

4. Argentina 2-1 Spain – FIFA World Cup 1966

Argentina and Spain were pitted against each other in Group 2 of the FIFA World Cup 1966. Villa Park in England hosted this fixture. It certainly lived up to the billing.

The South American nation scored first in the 65th minute through Luis Artime. Spain fought back and retaliated in the 71st. Pirri scored before Luis Artime scored his second goal of the match to help his nation win 2-1.

Argentina would eventually finish second in Group 2 with five points, equal to the leaders West Germany and moved on to the knockout stage. They were eventually eliminated by hosts England in the quarterfinals.

La Roja, on the other hand, finished their tournament with two points from their three group games. They were hence eliminated.

Also read: Spain vs Argentina – All-time head-to-head records ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

3. Spain 2-1 Argentina – Friendly match 2009

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup just a few months away, La Roja and La Albiceleste met in a friendly game in November 2009. The Vicente Calderón played host to this match. Both teams fought for a win till the end.

Xabi Alonso opened the scoring before Lionel Messi equalised in the second half to pull his side level. Alonso would eventually close out the win by completing his brace in the 86th minute. He converted a penalty to secure a 2-1 win for the Spanish side.

2. Argentina 4-1 Spain – Friendly match 2010

Fresh off their maiden World Cup triumph, Spain were taken down by Argentina in a friendly match in 2010. The Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires hosted the World Cup champions.

It was a forgetful night for La Roja. They went back to the drawing board seeking a lot of improvement.

Argentina scored four times. Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez, and Sergio Aguero got on the scoresheet. Fernando Llorente did score a goal.

But it was merely a consolation in this friendly encounter. The home team registered a 4-1 win on the night.

1. Spain 6-1 Argentina – Friendly match 2018

The latest encounter took place in a friendly match, back in 2018. The Spanish side dismantled their opponents with a 6-1 win in front of a jam-packed Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Isco’s hat-trick and goals from Iago Aspas, Diego Costa and Thiago Alcantara helped the Iberian nation secure a memorable win against Argentina in a friendly match. Nicolas Otamendi did score for the visitors. It was merely a consolation in what was a tough night for Argentina.

Both sides had equal possession, but Spain made the most of their chances in front of goal.

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