This Sunday, Atlético Madrid will achieve an unprecedented milestone in modern football history: with the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the club will become the team with the most players featured in the last three World Cup finals.
The Madrid-based club will contribute 10 players to the title match on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, raising the total number of Atlético representatives to 18 in the last three World Cup finals.
Representing Spain will be Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Álex Baena, and Alejandro Grimaldo. Argentina's squad includes Juan Musso, Giuliano Simeone, Nahuel Molina, Julián Álvarez, Thiago Almada, and Nico González.
Atlético's Journey Through World Cup Finals
The club's journey in World Cup finals began in Russia 2018, when four Atlético players participated in the final showdown between France and Croatia. Antoine Griezmann, Lucas Hernández, and Thomas Lemar celebrated victory with the French team, while Šime Vrsaljko played for the Croatian side.
As noted on the club's official website, Griezmann, Hernández, and Lemar were the first Atlético players to win the World Cup while wearing the club's colors.
In Qatar 2022, the club again fielded four representatives in the final between Argentina and France. Rodrigo De Paul, Nahuel Molina, and Ángel Correa emerged victorious with Argentina, while Griezmann returned to the final, this time finishing as runner-up with France.
Nahuel Molina remains the only Atlético player to have appeared in two consecutive World Cup finals, both with Argentina.
Family Connections Add Symbolism
Adding a familial dimension to this record, Giuliano Simeone, son of the club's coach Diego Simeone, is among the ten Atlético players in this final. The young forward made his tournament debut against Jordan on June 28 and scored his first goal for Argentina's senior team in March 2025 against Brazil.
Spain reached the final after defeating France 2-0 on July 14 in Arlington, Texas. Argentina secured their spot by overcoming England 2-1 on July 15 in Atlanta, with goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez.
Historic First for Spain and Argentina
Sunday's final also marks a historic first: it is the initial World Cup decision match between Spain and Argentina. Argentina arrives as the defending champion from Qatar 2022, while Spain aims for its second world title, 16 years after triumphing in South Africa 2010.
The unprecedented tally of 18 Atlético players in three consecutive finals underscores the club's dominance in recent World Cup history, cementing its position as the most influential club in the pinnacle stages of global football over the past decade.
Key Facts About Atlético Madrid's World Cup Influence
How many Atlético Madrid players are in the 2026 World Cup final?
Atlético Madrid will have 10 players participating in the 2026 World Cup final.
Which countries are playing in the 2026 World Cup final?
Spain and Argentina will face off in the 2026 World Cup final.
Who is Giuliano Simeone?
Giuliano Simeone is a forward for Argentina and the son of Atlético Madrid's coach, Diego Simeone. He is one of the club's representatives in the 2026 World Cup final.