Champions of the world

Argentina come to 2026 as reigning champions, having beaten France on penalties in a classic 2022 final in Qatar. It was their third world title, after 1978 and 1986, and cemented a golden era for the Albiceleste.

The weight of history

Retaining the trophy is football’s hardest task. No team has won back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Since then, several champions have even exited in the group stage four years later — a warning Argentina will be determined to heed.

• 2022: champions (beat France on penalties)
• World titles: three (1978, 1986, 2022)
• Last back-to-back winner: Brazil, 1962

The 2026 challenge

Argentina’s blend of experience and emerging talent makes them genuine contenders again, but the expanded 48-team format means one extra knockout round to navigate. To make history, they must win seven knockout matches — and overcome the burden of being the team everyone wants to beat.