Spain Caps Off Argentina 1-0, Shatters Italy’s 37‑Match Run

Spain clinched the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, defeating Argentina 1‑0 in extra time. The decisive strike came from Ferran Torres, who found the net against a ten‑man Albiceleste side. According to Football Italia, the victory extended Spain’s own unbeaten streak to 38 matches, breaking Italy’s historic 37‑game run. Spain’s run reflected consistent performance throughout the tournament, highlighted by a semifinal preview in JuveFC’s World Cup predictions.

Italy’s 37‑Match Unbeaten Run Comes to an End

Italy’s remarkable 37‑match competitive unbeaten sequence was built under Roberto Mancini between 2018 and 2021. That milestone now belongs to history after Spain’s triumph in New Jersey. The Azzurri still hold two notable honors: they share the record of four World Cup titles with Germany, trailing only Brazil’s five championships. Additionally, Italy remains one of just two nations—alongside Brazil—to have captured back‑to‑back titles in 1934 and 1938, a feat Brazil repeated in 1958 and 1962.

Argentina’s Pursuit Ends With Three Titles

Argentina entered the final with three World Cup crowns, matching the total held by Italy and Germany. The team’s performance in the championship game was hampered by a reduced squad, playing with ten men after a red card. Despite a strong effort, the Albiceleste could not prevent Torres from netting the lone goal that sealed Spain’s victory. The loss leaves Argentina still on three titles, while Spain now commands an impressive 38‑game unbeaten run.

Implications for Future Competition

Spain’s unbeaten run now stands at 38 consecutive matches, setting a new benchmark for endurance in women’s soccer. The tournament’s outcome reinforces Spain’s status as a dominant force, especially after a narrow extra‑time win. Observers note that Italy’s broken record may energize other nations eager to challenge Spain’s supremacy. As the sport looks ahead, the 2026 final will likely be referenced as the moment the 37‑match standard was surpassed.

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