Argentina are one victory away from becoming just the third country to win back-to-back World Cups, and the first since Brazil defended their title in 1962.

Standing in their way are Spain, who have a formidable recent record in major tournament finals. Although La Roja were beaten by France in the 1984 European Championship final, they have won four consecutive major finals, including the 2010 World Cup and the European Championship in 2008, 2012 and 2024.

There are, of course, major links between the two countries. Spain ruled Argentina for nearly 300 years until Argentine independence, helping establish Spanish as the dominant language in the South American nation. An indirect soccer-related consequence is that large numbers of Argentine players have moved to Spanish clubs in recent decades, as one glance at the current squad shows.

Six current LaLiga players in Argentina’s squad

There are six current LaLiga players on Argentina’s roster for the 2026 World Cup, although only two are likely to start against Spain in New Jersey.

Five of those players represent the same Spanish club, Atlético Madrid, managed, of course, by former Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone. That group includes Simeone’s son, Giuliano, who made a surprise start against England in the semifinals.

Nahuel Molina is the team’s first-choice right-back, while Julián Álvarez has recovered from a fitness issue to regain his place in the starting lineup alongside Lionel Messi in attack.

Backup goalkeeper Juan Musso and midfielder Thiago Almada are also in the squad and will return to Madrid after the tournament.

In addition, winger Nico González spent last season on loan at Atlético, while Rodrigo De Paul left the Spanish club for Inter Miami in the summer of 2025.

Atlético teammates on both sides

Argentina’s Atlético contingent will come up against several club teammates in the final, with Álex Baena, Marc Pubill, Marcos Llorente and new signing Álex Grimaldo all included in Spain’s squad.

Giovani Lo Celso of Real Betis is the only current LaLiga player on Argentina’s roster who does not play for Atlético Madrid.

Spain is familiar territory for much of Argentina’s squad. Dibu Martínez (Getafe), Gerónimo Rulli (Real Sociedad and Villarreal), Nicolás Tagliafico (Real Murcia), Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Valentín Barco (Sevilla), Nicolás Otamendi (Valencia), Nico Paz (Real Madrid) and, of course, Messi (Barcelona) have all played in the country in the past.

Most of Argentina’s stars play abroad

Only three players, River Plate duo Otamendi and Montiel, plus Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes, play their club soccer in Argentina.

Of course, Messi and De Paul, two of the team’s biggest stars, now ply their trade in MLS with Inter Miami.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.