How many times have Spain played a World Cup final?

Spain booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final with a comprehensive 2-0 win over pre-tournament favorites France.

Heading into the game Spain had conceded just one goal across the tournament and their defensive control was on show again in Dallas. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro were decisive for La Roja, who are through to the World Cup final for only the second time. The only previous appearance came in 2010, when Spain clinched a historic World Cup triumph.

Who will Spain play in the World Cup final?

Spain’s final opponents will be the winner of the other World Cup semi-final; England or Argentina. If it’s England, both teams will be playing in the World Cup final for the second time ever. England’s only previous appearance at that stage came when they lifted the trophy on home soil in 1966.

If it is to be Argentina, Spain will face an opponent with significantly more pedigree at the elite level. Argentina are reigning champions, having won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

That was the third of Argentina’s three triumphs to date, with the others coming in 1978 and 1986. Argentina are looking to be become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy, an achievement that would mark them out as one of the greatest international teams of all time.

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