Argentina close the gap on Germany in all-time World Cup table

Spain vs Argentina Sunday, Germany still the all-time final kings

The 2026 World Cup final is set. Spain face Argentina at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19 (2). For Germany fans, there is a quiet piece of history in play here: no nation has played in more World Cup finals than your team.

Argentina closing the gap in the all-time World Cup table

Germany held on to second place in the eternal World Cup rankings after all 102 matches of the 2026 tournament were counted, but Argentina just sliced the gap to 53 points (1). Brazil still lead the table, with Germany second and Argentina now breathing down your neck. The Swiss and Croats both pushed back into the top 20 after strong campaigns (1).

This table rewards consistency over decades, and Germany's depth is real. But the direction of travel is clear. Argentina's golden generation is eating into the cushion match by match.

Fan-reaktioner

The mood on r/soccer has turned nostalgic during the rest day before the final. One thread revisits a BBC broadcast from exactly 60 years ago, West Germany training, England players' wives on screen, the North East coping with tournament fever (1). Full thread here.