Argentina have settled for a strong start in the FIFA World Cup 2026 to defend the title, as La Selección have dominated the group stage (Group J) of the tournament. Starting the tournament with a 3-0 win against Algeria, they claimed a 2-0 victory against Austria in their second fixture.
Argentina claimed their third FIFA World Cup title after winning the FIFA World Cup 2022. Previously, they lifted the trophy in the 1978 and 1986 editions. La Selección have been counted among the top teams in international football when the major tournaments start.
FIFA World Cup: Knockout Stage Records
Final Appearances: 6 times
Argentina have played a total of six FIFA World Cup Finals till the date, where they have achieved mixed results, including winning the previous edition.
Won: 3 times (1978, 1986, 2022)
Lost: 3 times (1930, 1990, 2014)
Result in full regular 90 minutes (including stoppage times):
Won: 2 times (1986)
Lost: 1 time (1930, 1990)
Result at extra time (after regular time):
Won: 1 time (1986)
Lost: 1 time (2014)
Result in penalty shootout:
Won: 1 time (2022)
Lost: Never
Round of 16: 10 games
While Argentina have played 10 Round of 16 games, they have a strong success rate.
Won: 7 matches (including 1 penalty shootout)
Lost: 3 matches
Quarterfinals: 8 games
La Selección have played eight World Cup Quarterfinals, where they have recorded a 50 percent success rate.
Won: 4 matches (including 2 penalty shootouts)
Lost: 4 matches (including 1 penalty shootout)
Semifinals: 5 games
Argentina are among the best ever teams to challenge anyone in the Semifinals in the FIFA World Cup, where they have a 100 percent success record.
Won: 5 matches (including 2 penalty shootouts)
Argentina’s best and worst performances in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages
Biggest Wins
6-1 vs United States (Semifinal, 1930)
3-0 vs Croatia (Semifinal, 2022)
Biggest Defeats
4-0 vs Germany (Quarter-final, 2010)
4-2 vs Uruguay (Final, 1930)
Argentina in the last 5 tournaments:
Copa America 2024: Champions
FIFA World Cup 2022: Champions
Copa America 2021: Champions
Copa America 2019: Third Place
FIFA World Cup 2018: Round of 16
There was a time when Argentina struggled to perform in major tournaments despite being considered among the favourites. While they have recently managed multiple trophy successes, we can call La Selección currently having a golden generation, which the legend Lionel Messi deserves.
