Argentina’s run to the World Cup final guarantees Manchester United representation through Lisandro Martinez.
There was disappointment for England on Wednesday as their 2026 World Cup campaign came to an end, after throwing away a lead against Argentina to lose 2-1.
After watching from the bench as Argentina became world champions in 2022, Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez is set to become the fifth United player to play in a World Cup final this Sunday against Spain.
Here are the four players who played in a World Cup final while under contract at United, including three winners and one loser.
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Sir Bobby Charlton – 1966
After scoring three goals at the 1966 World Cup for England, Sir Bobby Charlton played all 120 minutes against West Germany in the final.
Charlton started the game in midfield as England required extra time to become world champions.
To this day, it’s the only time England lifted the World Cup.
Nobby Stiles – 1966
Charlton wasn’t the only United player in England’s 1966 World Cup squad.
There were two others, but Nobby Stiles played the final, unlike John Connelly.
One of the main highlights from Stiles’ World Cup campaign in 1966 was shutting down the legendary Eusebio in England’s semi-final win over Portugal.
Paul Pogba – 2018
Not only did Paul Pogba start in France’s 4-2 win over Croatia in the 2018 final, but he also scored the crucial third goal for Didier Deschamps’ side.
Pogba did not reach the heights many expected at United, but he achieved massively on the international stage for France.
Raphael Varane – 2022
Unlike the other three players on the list, Raphael Varane lost the World Cup final he played in while with United.
The former United centre-back was under contract at Real Madrid when he featured in the triumphant 2022 final.
However, Varane started the 2022 final and played 113 minutes before Argentina won on penalties.
United teammate Martinez was on the bench for Argentina, though he still collected a winners’ medal after featuring earlier in the tournament.
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