​Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain marks only the second official match between the two top sides.The only previous official meeting was in the 1966 group stage, with Argentina winning 2-1 at Villa Park in Birmingham.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThey have also faced each other in 13 friendlies, of which Argentina won six, Spain five and two ended in a draw. The last of those was in 2018 when Spain thrashed Argentina 6-1 in Madrid.The two two sides were originally to face each other on March 27 in Qatar for the Finalissima match between the European and South American champions but that match was cancelled because of the Iran war.Sunday’s game marks the first time that the defending champion will face the European champion in a World Cup final. A final between the South American champion and title holder is yet to happen.Spain won their first title in 2010 as European champions but opponents the Netherlands were not the defending world champions. West Germany also won the World Cup in 1974 as European champions while losing the 1982 final as continental champions.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementArgentina can add the world title to Copa America glory for the second time in a row, having won the continental showcase in 2021 and 2024. Brazil were Copa America holders in the 1998 final they lost against France.Only teams from Europa and South America have won the World Cup.Argentina are aiming for a fourth World Cup title overall and if they succeed they will be only the third nation to defend the title, following Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962.The final also marks the first time since 1978 that German top club Bayern Munich has no player in the decider.Spanish players celebrate their victory after the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final soccer match against France at the Dallas Stadium. Tom Weller/dpa