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VALERIA SOSA
Updated
The 2026 World Cup is getting closer, and even with an expanded tournament format, the usual favorites remain at the center of the conversation. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal continue to carry expectations, while Lionel Messi and Argentina are once again viewed as one of the teams to beat after their triumph in Qatar.
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That rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo still fuels plenty of debate among fans, especially when discussions turn toward legacy and another shot at football’s biggest prize. At the same time, the road to the title looks far more complicated with a young and dangerous Spain squad, a France side still packed with elite talent, a Brazil team eager to reclaim its place at the top, and an England squad hoping to finally end decades of waiting. The level of competition expected after the group stage already has predictions going in every direction.
One stat that keeps following Argentina
Predictions, statistics, and form always become part of the World Cup conversation, but there is one number surrounding Argentina that has started to gain serious attention. It has everything to do with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, better known as “Dibu.”
Martínez has built a remarkable record in finals throughout his career, winning every single one he has played.Jorge Saenz
Martínez has built a remarkable record in finals throughout his career, winning every single one he has played. The Argentine goalkeeper currently stands at seven victories in seven finals, a streak that includes the 2020 FA Cup against Arsenal, the 2020 Community Shield against Liverpool, the 2021 Copa América against Brazil, the 2022 Finalissima against Italy, the 2022 World Cup final against France, the 2024 Copa América against Colombia, and the 2026 Europa League final against Freiburg.
Argentina’s emotional edge heading into 2026
Those numbers may sound simple on paper, but maintaining a perfect record in matches with that level of pressure is difficult to ignore. Martínez has often been a polarizing figure because of his personality and mentality on the field, yet his performances in decisive moments continue to strengthen his reputation as one of Argentina’s most reliable players during the Messi era.
Of course, none of this guarantees another World Cup for Argentina. There are still multiple matches standing between the defending champions and a potential return to the final. The tournament field is deeper than ever, and the margin for error against the world’s top teams remains extremely small.
Still, Martínez’s streak has naturally become part of the excitement surrounding Argentina ahead of 2026. If the Albiceleste manage to navigate another difficult path to the final, attention will once again turn toward the goalkeeper who has yet to lose on football’s biggest stages. Another title would not only give Argentina a fourth World Cup trophy, but it would further cement Martínez alongside the modern legends of the national team.
