Argentina has won the FIFA World Cup three times. The championships came in 1978, 1986, and 2022.
The South American nation reached six World Cup finals total, winning three and finishing runner-up three times. Mario Kempes led the 1978 victory, Diego Maradona dominated in 1986, and Lionel Messi finally claimed the trophy in 2022 after a 36-year wait.
You’ll learn the details of each championship, Argentina’s complete finals record, and how their trophy count compares to other World Cup winners.
How Many World Cups Has Argentina Won?
Argentina’s three World Cup victories span nearly five decades of football history. The table below shows each championship with key details.
| Year | Opponent | Final Score | Star Player | Coach |
| 1978 | Netherlands | 3-1 (AET) | Mario Kempes | César Luis Menotti |
| 1986 | West Germany | 3-2 | Diego Maradona | Carlos Bilardo |
| 2022 | France | 3-3 (4-2 pens) | Lionel Messi | Lionel Scaloni |
Argentina ranks third globally in total World Cup wins. Brazil leads with five titles, Germany and Italy each have four, and Argentina sits third with three.
The gap between victories tells an interesting story. Just eight years separated the first two titles, but Argentina waited 36 years between their 1986 triumph and the 2022 victory in Qatar.
Argentina’s 1978 World Cup Victory (First Title)
Argentina hosted the World Cup for the first time in 1978 and won it on home soil. The final took place at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on June 25, 1978.
The Netherlands arrived as favorites after reaching the 1974 final. Argentina took the lead through Mario Kempes in the 38th minute, but the Dutch equalized late in the second half through Dick Nanninga to force extra time.
Kempes scored twice more in extra time to seal a 3-1 victory. He finished the tournament as top scorer with six goals and won the Golden Ball as best player. Captain Daniel Passarella lifted Argentina’s first World Cup trophy in front of a home crowd.
Coach César Luis Menotti built a team focused on attacking football and technical skill. The victory launched Argentina into the elite tier of world football.
Argentina’s 1986 World Cup Victory (Maradona’s Peak)
Diego Maradona produced one of the greatest individual World Cup performances in Mexico 1986.
Argentina went through the tournament unbeaten and defeated West Germany 3-2 in the final at Estadio Azteca on June 29, 1986.
The final attracted a record attendance of 114,600 spectators. Argentina led 2-0 before Germany fought back to 2-2, but Jorge Burruchaga scored the winner in the 84th minute.
Maradona’s quarter-final against England became the most talked-about match of the tournament. He scored twice, first with the infamous “Hand of God” goal, then with what FIFA later named the “Goal of the Century” after dribbling past five England players.
The Argentine captain finished with five goals and five assists, earning the Golden Ball award. Coach Carlos Bilardo’s tactical approach complemented Maradona’s genius perfectly.
Eight years after their first title, Argentina had established themselves as a World Cup powerhouse.
Argentina’s 2022 World Cup Victory (Messi’s Dream)
Lionel Messi finally won the World Cup at his fifth and final attempt. Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on December 18, 2022.
The final became an instant classic. Argentina led 2-0 through goals from Messi and Ángel Di María, but Kylian Mbappé scored twice in 97 seconds to force extra time.
Messi put Argentina ahead again in the 108th minute, only for Mbappé to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 118th minute.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved Kingsley Coman’s penalty in the shootout, and Gonzalo Montiel converted the winning spot-kick. Messi scored seven goals throughout the tournament and won his second Golden Ball award.
The 36-year gap since 1986 made the victory especially meaningful for Argentine fans. Coach Lionel Scaloni guided the team through a tournament that began with a shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.
The final drew over 1.5 billion viewers globally, making it one of the most-watched sporting events in history.
Argentina’s Complete World Cup Finals Record
Argentina has appeared in six World Cup finals, winning three and finishing runner-up three times.
Their championship years were covered above. The runner-up finishes came in:
- 1930: Lost 2-4 to Uruguay in the inaugural World Cup final in Montevideo
- 1990: Lost 0-1 to West Germany through an 85th-minute penalty
- 2014: Lost 0-1 to Germany in extra time after Mario Götze’s 113th-minute goal
Argentina reached their first final in 1930, then waited 48 years before winning in 1978. Their six finals appearances tie them with Brazil and Italy for second place behind Germany, which has reached eight finals.
The national team has competed in 18 of 22 World Cup tournaments, missing only 1938, 1950, 1954, and 1970. They’ve won 47 matches in 88 games across all World Cup appearances.
Argentina qualified for the 2026 World Cup and will defend their title in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FAQs
Has Argentina won more World Cups than Brazil?
No. Brazil has won five World Cups while Argentina has three. Germany and Italy have four titles each, placing Argentina third on the all-time list.
Who was Argentina’s captain in each World Cup win?
Daniel Passarella captained the 1978 team, Diego Maradona led in 1986, and Lionel Messi wore the armband in 2022.
When did Argentina last win the World Cup?
Argentina last won the World Cup in 2022 in Qatar. They defeated France on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the final.
What years did Argentina lose World Cup finals?
Argentina finished runner-up in 1930 (lost to Uruguay), 1990 (lost to West Germany), and 2014 (lost to Germany).
How many World Cups has Messi won?
Lionel Messi won one World Cup in 2022. He played in five tournaments total between 2006 and 2022.
How many times has Argentina qualified for the World Cup?
Argentina has qualified for 18 out of 22 World Cup tournaments. They missed the competitions in 1938, 1950, 1954, and 1970.
Is Argentina qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Argentina qualified for the 2026 World Cup and will compete as defending champions in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Who scored Argentina’s winning goals in World Cup finals?
Mario Kempes scored twice in extra time in 1978. Jorge Burruchaga scored the winner against West Germany in 1986. In 2022, Argentina won on penalties after the match ended 3-3.
How does Argentina’s World Cup record compare to other South American teams?
Brazil leads South America with five World Cup wins. Argentina has three, while Uruguay has two. These three nations account for all 10 World Cup victories by South American teams.
What is Argentina’s overall World Cup win-loss record?
Argentina has played 88 World Cup matches across 18 tournaments, winning 47, drawing 16, and losing 25 games.
