The Argentine national team has won three World Cups throughout its football career. The triumphs occurred in 1978, 1986 and 2022, solidifying the Albiceleste team as one of the most celebrated powers globally. As holder of the most recent title, the team aims for a fourth trophy in 2026, aiming to reach even higher levels among the greatest world champions.
Argentina’s inaugural trophy came on its own territory, during the 1978 World Cup. Driven by the fervor of its fans, the team under the leadership of César Luis Menotti advanced to the final, where they met the Netherlands, who had been runners-up in the previous tournament and were once again standing out in the competition.
The decisive match unfolded in an exciting way. Mario Kempes opened the scoring, but the Netherlands managed to equalize in the final moments, forcing extra time. During the extra time, Kempes scored another goal, and Daniel Bertoni secured the 3-1 victory, thus confirming Argentina’s first world championship.
The second title was achieved eight years later, at the World Cup held in Mexico, with a campaign that became legendary due to Diego Maradona’s unforgettable performances. The star, who wore the number 10 shirt, shone as the centerpiece of the victory, guiding the Argentine team to the final clash against West Germany.
In the final game, the Argentine team established a 2-0 lead, but witnessed a reaction from the Germans, who managed to equalize the score. At the moment when extra time seemed certain, Maradona made a millimetric pass to Jorge Burruchaga, who scored the decisive goal, consolidating the 3-2 victory. This feat represented the Albiceleste’s second title and established Maradona as an immortal figure among the biggest names in football.
The wait for the third trophy took 36 years. In the tournament in Qatar, in 2022, Argentina once again played in the final of a World Cup, facing France in a duel that remains in memory as one of the most vibrant of all time.
After a 3-3 draw during the 120 minutes of play, Argentina prevailed in the subsequent penalty shootout, thus securing their third world championship. Lionel Messi, with two goals in the final, fulfilled his desire to lift the coveted World Cup trophy, culminating a professional career full of successes and putting an end to an Argentine drought that had lasted since 1986.
