Spain and Argentina compete for extra FIFA star on national team jerseys

FIFA permits national football teams to display a star above their crest for each senior men's World Cup title they have won. The practice began with Brazil, which added three stars after its third championship in 1970 and later inspired other nations to adopt the symbol.

Spain will try to earn a second star on its jersey in tonight's match, while Argentina seeks a fourth star that would bring it level with Germany and keep it just behind record‑holder Brazil. Uruguay currently displays four stars despite only two World Cup wins, because FIFA also recognises its 1924 and 1928 Olympic titles. FIFA rules state that stars are tied exclusively to senior men's titles and are not automatically transferred to women's or youth teams.