Argentina have matched an unwanted record after their 2026 FIFA World Cup final defeat to Spain. La Albiceleste were thoroughly outplayed and outclassed at the New York New Jersey Stadium, and ultimately lost to a superior opposition.

The defeat to Spain meant that Argentina have now lost four FIFA World Cup finals, the joint-most of any country in history. La Albiceleste are now level with Germany for the most defeats in the showpiece game of the competition, finishing as runners-up on four occasions.

The South American giants lost to Uruguay in the 1930 final before losing to West Germany 60 years later. In 2014, Lionel Messi was captain as they lost to Germany, and this defeat to Spain is their fourth at this stage of the competition.

Lionel Scaloni's side were poor on the day, failing to register a shot on target in 120 minutes of action against a well-drilled side. They were reduced to ten men in the closing stages of regulation time and were on the back foot for the entirety of the FIFA World Cup final.

Largely thanks to the heroics of Emiliano Martinez between the sticks, they managed to take the game into extra-time, and survived the first 15 minutes, as well. They would eventually come undone thanks to a well-worked team goal from La Roja, with Ferran Torres firing home following a knock down from Nico Williams.

Spain repeated their heroics from 16 years ago in the FIFA World Cup final to put Argentina to the sword at the New York New Jersey Stadium. La Roja netted in the second half of extra-time to secure their second title in the competition.

Luis de la Fuente's side came into the final with six wins from seven, having conceded just one goal all tournament. They quickly showed why they have such a strong defensive record, as they strangled their opposition with their pressing, forcing turnovers before opportunities could even be generated.

Argentina were left chasing shadows for large parts of the game, but they managed to prevent the European champions from scoring. They came undone when Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card at the end of the 90 minutes for a second bookable offence, just like John Heitinga for the Netherlands in the 2010 final.

Spain continued pushing and eventually found the breakthrough just a minute into the second half of extra-time through substitute Ferran Torres. He slammed home a knockdown from Nico Williams following a deep cross, securing the win for La Roja.

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