Argentina’s route to the final included a comeback win over England and an extra-time test against Cape Verde, as Emiliano Martínez reiterated he would retire internationally if the team wins back-to-back World Cups.
Argentina advanced to the 2026 World Cup final as defending champions under coach Lionel Scaloni, reviving attention on goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez’s pledge to retire from international football if the team wins consecutive World Cups. Martínez said Argentina faced tough matches and never had the luxury of choosing opponents on its route to the final. That run included a comeback semifinal win over England, a side he described as dangerous on set pieces and in physical play, and an extra-time test against Cape Verde. His comments, shared on July 15, 2026, reiterated a commitment first made in a 2025 interview. A victory in the final would make Argentina the first team in more than six decades to win back-to-back World Cups.