Argentina entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as the defending champion. Argentina had won the previous World Cup in 2022, defeating France on penalties in one of the tournament’s most dramatic finals.
The 2026 final was played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, against Spain. Argentina ultimately lost 1–0 after extra time, with Spain reclaiming the men’s World Cup for the first time since 2010.
Argentina’s 2022 triumph was its third men’s World Cup title, following victories in 1978 and 1986. The 2022 championship also ended a 36-year wait for the country and completed Lionel Messi’s collection of major international honors.
The phrase “defending champion” refers to the winner of the previous edition, not necessarily the team favored to win the new tournament. France entered the 2022 final as defending champion, but Argentina held that status four years later.