From 1930 to the present, the FIFA World Cup has not only crowned various champions over the years, but has also produced matchups that seem inevitable.
In this new and expanded edition featuring 48 teams, there will be memorable matches, but there could also be rematches steeped in history.
World Cup Matches That Have Been Repeated
To date, 964 matches have been played throughout the tournament’s history, but there are two matches that have been repeated seven times, according to Bolavip.
The most iconic example is Argentina vs. Germany. They have faced each other seven times, including several landmark finals. The overall record shows one draw, one Argentine victory, and five wins for the Europeans, making them the team that has defeated the Albicelestes the most times. However, it has also produced matches filled with unforgettable moments, from Argentina’s 1986 triumph to the Germans’ revenge in 1990 and 2014.
Another matchup that has become a tradition is Brazil vs. Sweden, also with seven encounters. With a record of five wins for the South Americans and two draws, this rivalry even featured a historic final in 1958, when the world discovered Pelé.
But they are not the only ones. Brazil returns to the spotlight with its five matches against Italy, and while they are not the only ones with this number, they do have more finals than the rest, with appearances in 1994 and 1970, where the Canarinha claimed both victories.
In the group stages, there are also matches that have become a tradition. Argentina vs. Nigeria, for example, has been played five times, with the Albiceleste dominating completely. Something similar happened with Brazil vs. Scotland.
Netherlands vs. Argentina or Brazil, Germany vs. England or Italy, and Argentina vs. England are other matchups that have occurred five times.
Now, looking ahead to the upcoming tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, these matchups could happen once again if Italy manages to win in the playoffs and earn its spot in soccer’s biggest competition.
Thus, a new chapter in these classic rivalries could be written in less than 85 days.
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