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Only Spain stand between Argentina and a second successive World Cup crown, and there’s a compelling statistic that suggests the Albiceleste could once again emerge victorious.

After shattering English hopes with their dramatic semi-final comeback, Argentina are now preparing for Sunday’s final clash with Spain. The encounter promises to be a thrilling showdown between the champions of South America’s Copa America and Europe’s Euros.

Under the stewardship of Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s record against European nations has been nothing short of remarkable. Since taking charge in 2018, Scaloni’s side have remained unbeaten against European opposition in 11 encounters.

Their most memorable triumph came in the 2022 World Cup final, where they overcame France in a tense penalty shootout to lift the trophy. That victory remains their most significant result against a European team under Scaloni’s leadership.

Argentina also claimed the Finalissima title in 2022, defeating Italy 3-0 in a match between the reigning Copa America and European champions. Although the 2026 edition of the Finalissima was cancelled, Argentina and Spain will still battle for global supremacy in the World Cup final.

Given the limited opportunities to face European sides — mainly restricted to World Cup fixtures and friendlies — Argentina’s record is especially noteworthy. Of the 11 matches under Scaloni, four took place during the 2022 World Cup, and three have been played in the ongoing 2026 edition.

Scaloni’s overall record against European opposition stands at eight wins and three draws, two of which were decided in penalty shootouts that Argentina ultimately won. Interestingly, during his time managing Argentina’s U20 side, his only match against a European nation was a 2-1 victory over Russia.

As a player, Scaloni also enjoyed success against European teams, having featured in a draw against Germany and a win over Hungary — the only two occasions he faced European opponents while representing Argentina.

All signs point towards a positive outlook for Argentina as they prepare to face Spain, the same team that humiliated them 6-1 just months before Scaloni’s managerial reign began. The transformation since then underscores the nation’s pride in its distinct footballing culture and methods of player development, which differ markedly from Europe’s structured academy systems.

In Argentina, young players often learn their craft through street football rather than relying heavily on sports science. Former Italy international Daniele De Rossi, who ended his career at Boca Juniors, once observed: “Argentina and Brazil are two countries where, sometimes out of necessity, kids still play football in the streets. Football academies are very important, but they should never replace children’s recreational play. In Italy, street football no longer exists.”

Sunday’s final promises to be a fascinating clash of philosophies between Argentina’s raw, instinctive style and Spain’s technical, possession-based approach. Both nations boast immense talent, proving there’s no single path to producing world-class footballers.

But if Scaloni can maintain his unbeaten streak against European sides, he could once again be lifting the World Cup trophy.

Argentina 2-2 Germany (2019 friendly)

Argentina 3-0 Italy (2022 Finalissima)

Argentina 5-0 Estonia (2022 friendly)

Argentina 2-0 Poland (2022 World Cup group stage)

Argentina 2-2 Netherlands (4-3 on penalties) (2022 World Cup quarter-final)

Argentina 3-0 Croatia (2022 World Cup semi-final)

Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 on penalties) (2022 World Cup final)

Argentina 3-0 Iceland (2026 friendly)

Argentina 2-0 Austria (2026 World Cup group stage)

Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (2026 World Cup quarter-final)