The Argentine national team enters the 2026 World Cup final against Spain next Sunday, relying on a historical advantage in the only encounter between the two sides in World Cup history.

That match took place on July 13, 1966, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, as part of the second group stage.

After a goalless first half, striker Luis Artime opened the scoring for Argentina in the 65th minute, but José Martínez 'Pirri' equalized for Spain just two minutes later. However, Artime returned to score his second personal goal in the 79th minute, leading his country to a valuable victory.

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That victory played a decisive role in Argentina's qualification for the quarter-finals, as they finished the group stage in second place behind West Germany, while Spain exited the tournament in the first round.

However, the Tango dancers' journey did not last long in the 1966 World Cup, as they lost to England (1-0) in the quarter-finals, before the hosts continued their path towards winning the title.

After 60 years, the clash between Argentina and Spain is renewed in the World Cup final, after the Latin American team eliminated England (2-1) on Wednesday evening in the semi-finals, while Spain surpassed its counterpart France (2-0).