Argentina suffers its worst match in 60 years at the 2026 World Cup

Argentina recorded its worst performance in 60 years at a World Cup, ending the final against Spain without a single shot and with just 34% possession. The defending world champions failed to create any danger in the match played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Last result: Argentina defeated England 2-1 on July 15, 2026, extending their five-game winning streak. However, in the final against Spain, the Argentine team could not repeat their good form.

What happened in the match?

Spain dominated the game from the first minute, preventing Argentina from advancing. According to Opta data, the Albiceleste did not take any shots in 90 minutes, a historic negative record. Additionally, they recorded their lowest possession percentage since 1966.

Goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez was the Argentine with the most touches of the ball, reflecting the team's difficulty in getting out of their own area. Spain, meanwhile, completed 231 passes in the first half, compared to Argentina's 140.

Why is this important for Argentina?

This match marks a negative milestone for the Argentine team, which had not had such a poor performance in a World Cup in six decades. The inability to create goal-scoring chances and the low possession percentage are warning signs for the team.

The Albiceleste, who reached the final with five consecutive victories, could not maintain their level against a rival that outperformed them in every aspect. This result raises questions about the team's future and their ability to compete in upcoming tournaments.

What's next for Argentina?

After this disappointing result, Argentina will need to analyze their performance and work on improving their offensive play. The team, which has been a benchmark in world football, will have to show that this match was an exception and not a trend.

The team will have time to recover and prepare for their next campaign, but the challenge will be significant. The Albiceleste will need to find solutions to avoid repeating such a poor performance in the future.