The Finalissima—this catchy title, despite what some people might think, does not refer to the FIFA World Cup Final. Rather, it is a game between the reigning UEFA European Champions and the reigning CONMEBOL Copa America champions. If you have not heard of it, do not blame yourself: only one of them has been played under this name.
In June 2022 Argentina easily defeated Italy 3–0 at Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom. The second Finalissima was set to take place at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, in March 2026. However, the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran made travel unsafe for the participating teams. Since no replacement venue was agreed on by both parties in time, the game was cancelled.
The two nations that were supposed to battle for the Finalissima title were European champions Spain and South American champions Argentina—the very two nations that are facing each other in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, 19 July, for a much more prestigious trophy.
The European Championship (originally known as the European Nations’ Cup) was launched in 1960, decades after the first Copa America took place in 1916. This is the first time that the reigning European champions are facing the reigning South American champions in a World Cup Final.
Spain vs Argentina: Road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
Spain had a much smoother path to the final in the knockout stage than Argentina.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente’s boys beat Austria 3–0 in the Round of 32, knocked out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal with a late winner by Mikel Merino, and beat Belgium 2–1 in the Quarter-Final with Merino delivering the winner again.
In the Semi-Final, they got past a French side with the scary combined offensive power of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise with surprising ease. Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain’s top scorer for the tournament with five goals, opened the scoring from a penalty won by rising supertalent Lamine Yamal; then right-back Pedro Porro set the final 2–0 scoreline early in the second half. All the while, the Spanish defence (which had only conceded one goal the entire tournament) kept the French offensive at bay, only allowing 0.31 xG for the opposition.
Argentina, on the other hand, were forced into extra time against World Cup fairytale underdogs Cape Verde in the Round of 32. Against Egypt in the next round, they were down 2–0 by the 67th minute, with Messi missing his second penalty in the tournament and the Egyptians having one of their goals disallowed in a controversial VAR call by then. However, the Albiceleste fought back and turned the game around in regulation time, advancing with a 3–2 victory. Some fans have accused them of having favourable treatment by referees in the aftermath.
In the Quarter-Finals, Argentina went into extra time for the second time in the World Cup. They eventually bested Switzerland 3–1. Against England in the Semi-Finals, they had to come from behind again. English fans are still cursing coach Thomas Tuchel’s overly defensive tactical shifts after taking the lead, which were punished by the Argentines, who won 2–1.
In that run, there is one man who stands out above all in the Argentina squad: who else but Lionel Messi?
The record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is playing in his sixth World Cup and is currently tied at the top of the Golden Boot list with Kylian Mbappé on eight goals each. Messi has also overtaken Miroslav Klose of Germany as the highest-scoring player in FIFA World Cup history. With his goals in this tournament, he has now scored 21 goals in World Cup games, more than any other player.
The Last Successful Title Defence in World Cup History: 1962 Brazil
Defending World Champions Argentina have now made back-to-back World Cup Finals. France achieved the same feat four years earlier in Qatar, but ultimately fell short against Argentina in the last game.
Interestingly, the last tournament’s silver medalists are now playing for the bronze, just like 2018 finalists Croatia did in 2022.
The last time a national team defended the World Cup title was back in 1962. After winning the trophy for the first time in 1958, led by 17-year-old supertalent Pelé, Brazil managed to claim victory in 1962 as well. Pelé was in the squad but had to miss most of the tournament due to injury, including the final against Czechoslovakia, won by Brazil 3–1.
Only one other country was able to pull off back-to-back victories in FIFA World Cup history: Italy in 1934 and 1938. Argentina can now join that very exclusive club if they manage to overcome Spain in the final.
Sunday's World Cup Final will also feature an intriguing subplot on the touchline.
Several years before becoming Argentina's World Cup-winning manager, Lionel Scaloni completed part of his UEFA Pro Licence coach training in Spain. During the programme, one of the coaches whose sessions he attended was none other than current Spain manager Luis de la Fuente.
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