FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: Spain chokes Argentina in unwanted history as Messi’s team fails to register a shot in the first half | Football News
Spain’s relentless control of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final has forced Argentina into the books for all the wrong reasons, with Lionel Messi’s team failing to register a single shot in the opening 45 minutes of Sunday’s title clash.The score remained 0-0 at halftime at the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, but the statistics painted a picture of complete Spanish dominance. According to Opta, the first half produced only three total shots between the two teams — the fewest recorded in the opening half of a FIFA World Cup final since detailed records began in 1966.Even more remarkably, Argentina did not manage an attempt on goal before the break, marking the first time since 1966 that La Albiceleste failed to register a shot in the first half of any World Cup game.The impressive numbers highlighted Spain’s tactical superiority, even if they couldn’t find the breakthrough before halftime.
Spain dominated possession but failed to make it count
As they have done throughout the tournament, Spain dictated the tempo with their score based on possession of the football.The European champions completed almost twice as many passes as Argentina in the first half, keeping Lionel Scaloni’s men pinned for long periods and denying Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez any meaningful attacking opportunities.Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and all three shot attempts in the opening period, Spain could not break through Argentina’s resolute defense, leaving the contest goalless at the interval.Argentina were also forced into an unplanned change late in the first half when Lisandro Martinez appeared to be suffering from an injury and was replaced by veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi.
Another goalless first half in recent World Cup history
The draw added another chapter to the history of the World Cup.This is the ninth World Cup final without a goal at halftime, joining the previous finals in 1934, 1950, 1982, 1990, 1994, 2002, 2010 and 2014.Defending champions Argentina enter the final chasing a fourth World Cup crown and hoping to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the title.Spain, on the other hand, are looking to win their second World Cup after their victory in South Africa in 2010 and became the first country to simultaneously hold the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles.The final also brought the curtain down on the biggest World Cup in history. The expanded 48-team tournament has a record 104 games across the United States, Canada and Mexico and produced more than 300 goals before the final.
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