Brussels: The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain is set to be a historic encounter on Sunday. Both teams are on the brink of achieving significant records and milestones that could etch their names into the annals of football history.

According to Anadolu Agency, Argentina stands on the cusp of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend their World Cup title, having previously won the tournament in 1978, 1986, and 2022. A victory would not only secure their fourth title but also place them alongside Italy and Germany, with only Brazil ahead as five-time champions.

Spain, meanwhile, enters the final with an opportunity to set a new European unbeaten record. Currently, they are tied with Italy's record of 37 undefeated matches from 2018 to 2021. Avoiding a loss against Argentina-even through a penalty shootout-would extend Spain's streak to 38 matches, a new European standard.

Lionel Messi is poised to make history in multiple ways. At 39 years and 25 days, he could become the oldest player to score in a World Cup final, surpassing Sweden's Nils Liedholm, who was 35 years and 264 days old in 1958. Messi also aims to extend his record as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, currently holding 21 goals, with a chance to increase this tally.

Additionally, Messi could break his own record by scoring in 10 consecutive World Cup matches, further solidifying his status as a tournament legend. His appearance in the final would also mark his third, equaling Brazil's Cafu, and extend his records for the most World Cup appearances and captaincy.

Spain's young talent, Lamine Yamal, has the chance to become one of the youngest World Cup champions. At 19 years and six days, his victory would tie him with Brazil's Coutinho, who was the same age when Brazil won in 1962.

Argentina could also extend their national World Cup unbeaten run, having entered the quarterfinals with an 11-match streak. Victories over Switzerland and England have extended this to 13, with Spain as a potential 14th unbeaten match.

The final, held at the New York/New Jersey Stadium and kicking off at 1900GMT, will be the 104th match, concluding the largest World Cup ever. This edition featured 48 teams, three host countries, and 16 host cities, marking a significant expansion from previous tournaments.