Argentina continues to impress at the World Cup, confirming that in recent years it has been the most consistent force in world soccer. The «Albiceleste» has advanced to the World Cup final for the second consecutive time and will have the opportunity to defend the title it won in 2022. With Messi proving why he is the greatest of all time, Argentina is gearing up for a back-to-back title run against Spain.
There have been many achievements since the epic comeback against England. Argentina has just become only the eighth different national team in history to reach two consecutive World Cup finals, adding yet another significant chapter to its rich soccer history.
However, the greatest record… lies ahead of her. If Argentina wins the trophy as well, it will achieve something that has not been repeated in 64 years: it will become the first national team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win two consecutive World Cups.
To date, only two countries have managed to retain the world championship title. Italy, which won two titles way back in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil, which lifted the trophy in 1958 and 1962. Now, Argentina is one victory away from joining this exclusive and historic club, vying for one of the greatest achievements in World Cup history.
The national teams that have competed in two or more consecutive World Cup finals are as follows:
Italy (1934–1938)
1934: Italy – Czechoslovakia 2–1 (overtime)
1938: Italy – Hungary 4–2
Brazil (1958–1962)
1958: Brazil – Sweden 5–2
1962: Brazil – Czechoslovakia 3–1
Netherlands (1974–1978)
1974: West Germany – Netherlands 2–1
1978: Argentina – Netherlands 3–1 (overtime)
West Germany (1982–1986–1990)
1982: Italy – West Germany 3–1
1986: Argentina – West Germany 3–2
1990: West Germany – Argentina 1–0
Argentina (1986–1990)
1986: Argentina – West Germany 3–2
1990: West Germany – Argentina 1–0
Brazil (1994–1998–2002)
1994: Brazil – Italy 0–0 (3–2 on penalty kicks)
1998: France – Brazil 3–0
2002: Germany – Brazil 0–2
France (2018–2022)
2018: France – Croatia 4–2
2022: Argentina – France 3–3 (4–2 on penalty kicks)
Argentina (2022–2026)
2022: Argentina – France 3–3 (4–2 on penalty kicks)
2026: Argentina – Spain (the final has not yet been played)
NIKOS LAKATAS
