Argentina’s qualification for the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup continues to fuel the hopes of fans. After the 3-1 win over Switzerland, a striking statistical coincidence began to circulate that has only two other precedents in World Cup history and, for many fans, adds to the long list of signs of the classic «I choose to believe.»
According to statistics released by journalist Gastón Trucco, only three of the 74 quarterfinal matches played in World Cups ended with a score of 3-1. The recent victory of the Albiceleste joined a list consisting only of Italy against France in 1938 and Brazil against England in 1962.
The most striking thing is that in all three cases, the winner arrived as the reigning champion, started the match in the lead, suffered a partial equalizer, and ended up winning 3-1. Furthermore, both the Italians in ’38 and the Brazilians in ’62 lifted the World Cup and were crowned back-to-back champions, something that Argentina, champion in Qatar 2022, could do if they win the current edition.
The analysis also found much more specific coincidences between the Argentine victory and those precedents. In the case of the match between Argentina and Switzerland and that of Brazil against England in 1962, the first goal came in a practically identical way: both originated from a corner kick taken by the team’s great star: Lionel Messi, in 2026, and Zagallo, in 1962, gave their second assist of that World Cup for Alexis Mac Allister and Garrincha, respectively, to score their first goal of the tournament with a header.
Furthermore, in both matches there was an assist from the player wearing the number 21 jersey (José López for Argentina and Zagallo for Brazil), another coincidence that fueled comparisons between the two campaigns.
Similarities also appear when comparing the Argentine victory with that of Italy over France in 1938. The Azzurri’s first goal came at 9 minutes of play, while Argentina’s was scored at 9 minutes and 35 seconds. The second Italian goal occurred at 6 minutes of the second half, and the Albiceleste’s came at 6 minutes and 41 seconds of the second half of extra time.
With these data in their favor, Argentina will seek to follow that same path. If they manage to conquer the 2026 World Cup, they will not only successfully defend the title obtained four years ago, but will also equal a historic mark reserved for very few teams in football history.
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Para mí esto no es casualidad, es destino. La Scaloneta va a barrer a todos, como siempre. Los zurdos lloran, pero Argentina es superior. Messi es el más grande, y los que no creen son unos cagones. Vamos Argentina, bicampeones porque somos los mejores.
kjjj mira si vo a creer en numeritos berretas la scaloneta es campeona xq tiene huevos no x una casualidad de mierda contra suiza para mi esto huele a periodistas vendidos y fifa llorona callensen la boca q argentina sale bicampeona x messi y la garra no x suerte aguante la celeste y blanca carajo 😤🇦🇷