When the two teams met in the 2026 World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium , East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, Spain was too perfect to lose, but Argentina was too strong mentally to surrender.
This is the ideal World Cup final match because it brings together the European Championship champions, ranked 2nd in the world, and the Copa America champions, ranked 1st in the world.
Neither Argentina nor Spain have lost in the 2026 World Cup. The Albiceleste have won their previous seven matches, while La Roja have drawn once and won six.
But La Roja are more formidable, having beaten three top-10 teams before reaching the final, while Argentina only managed to do so against England.
Luis de la Fuente's side have also conceded just once in their seven 2026 World Cup matches, while Lionel Scaloni's side have already conceded seven goals.
They've both faced surprise package Cape Verde. Spain faced them in the group stage, while Argentina faced them in the round of 32.
How they handle this debutant team could be a clue as to who is the better one among them.
La Roja may have failed to beat Cape Verde, but the African team did not concede a goal.
Over the course of 90 minutes, Spain bombarded Cape Verde with 27 shots, seven of which were on target. Cape Verde responded with six shots, one of which was on target.
In contrast, Argentina "only" managed 22 shots, 12 of which were on target, over 120 minutes against Cape Verde, who responded with 16 shots, 5 of which were on target .
Argentina also conceded two goals, and had to rely on an own goal from a Cape Verde player to win narrowly 3-2.
Another indication that Spain may be stronger than Argentina is the way Argentina fought their way to the final.
Despite facing much lower-ranked teams before the semifinals, Argentina faced challenges against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland, all of which were shrouded in controversy. They also defeated England 2-1 in the semifinals.
