Spain have defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, claiming the trophy and shattering Italy’s longstanding record for consecutive unbeaten international matches. The fixture marked the 23rd decider in the competition’s history.
Ferran Torres scored in extra time to settle a tense contest, capitalising after Argentina were reduced to ten men. The victory extends Spain’s unbeaten run to 38 competitive fixtures, surpassing the previous benchmark of 37 set by Italy under Roberto Mancini between 2018 and 2021.
Italy’s Records Rewritten
The result secures Spain’s place in the history books at Italy’s expense. La Roja’s 38-match sequence without defeat establishes a new international standard, eclipsing the Azzurri’s achievement that had stood since Mancini’s side set it during a period that included their European Championship success.
However, Argentina’s failure to lift the trophy ensures Italy retain their position alongside Germany as one of only two nations to have won the World Cup four times. Brazil remain out in front with five titles, while Argentina stay on three. Italy’s back-to-back triumphs in 1934 and 1938 also remain a shared record, with Brazil having matched that feat in 1958 and 1962.
Absence and Representation
For Italy, the final marks another painful chapter in a difficult recent history. The Azzurri have now missed three consecutive World Cup tournaments, having failed to qualify for the 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions.
Despite the national team’s continued absence from the global stage, Serie A maintained a presence in the final through two Argentine internationals. Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez and Como’s Nico Paz were the sole representatives from the Italian top flight, though neither started the match.
The outcome confirms Spain’s status as the new holders of international football’s longest unbeaten streak while preserving Italy’s tally of four World Cup titles, even as the Azzurri watch from the sidelines during another global finals.