The 2026 World Cup reaches its conclusion on Sunday evening as Spain and Argentina meet at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford with football’s biggest prize on the line.
It is the first-ever men’s World Cup final between the reigning European and South American champions, with Spain chasing a second world title and Argentina looking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.
After recovering from an opening draw with Cape Verde, Luis de la Fuente’s side have swept past Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France to establish themselves as deserved favourites.
While much of the attention has centred on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Spain’s defensive record has arguably been even more impressive.
La Roja have conceded just one goal throughout the tournament and completely nullified France’s star-studded attack in a commanding 2-0 semi-final win.
Mikel Oyarzabal has led the line superbly, Pedro Porro has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers from right-back, while Rodri continues to dictate games from midfield.
Victory on Sunday would complete one of the greatest international campaigns in modern history, adding the World Cup to the European Championship they lifted in 2024.
Argentina, though, know exactly what it takes to win on the biggest stage.
Lionel Scaloni’s side have won every match on their route to the final, overcoming Mexico, Japan and Paraguay in the group stage before eliminating Brazil, England and Colombia in the knockout rounds.
Their 3-2 semi-final win over England showcased the resilience that has defined this generation, recovering from an early deficit before Lionel Messi inspired another comeback.
The reigning world champions have been devastating going forward, scoring more goals than any other side at the tournament, with Messi and Julian Alvarez combining brilliantly throughout the knockout rounds.
Defensively, they have looked more vulnerable than Spain, but Argentina have repeatedly found a way to outscore opponents when it has mattered most.
Team news for Spain vs Argentina
Spain have no major injury concerns ahead of the final.
Yamal and Porro both managed minor fitness issues following the semi-final victory over France, but neither problem is expected to prevent them from starting.
De la Fuente is likely to stick with the side that has guided Spain through the knockout rounds, with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz anchoring midfield behind an attacking quartet led by Oyarzabal.
Argentina also have a near fully-fit squad available.
Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes recovered from minor knocks to feature against England and are expected to retain their places.
Rodrigo De Paul is pushing to return to the starting XI after making an impact from the bench, while Messi and Alvarez will once again spearhead the attack as Argentina chase back-to-back World Cup titles.
Expected line-ups for Spain vs Argentina
Spain starting XI: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
Argentina starting XI: Emiliano Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez
Where to watch Spain vs Argentina: TV channel, online live stream
The match takes place on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, with kick-off at 8pm BST.
In the UK, the 2026 World Cup final will be shown live on BBC One and ITV1, with live streaming available via BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
Spain vs Argentina stats
- La Roja have conceded just one goal throughout the tournament and have kept six clean sheets
- Spain eliminated Portugal, Belgium and France in the knockout rounds
- Mikel Oyarzabal has scored five goals during the tournament
- Spain have allowed the fewest goals of any team at the 2026 World Cup
- Argentina have won all seven of their matches on the way to the final
- The reigning champions have scored a tournament-high 19 goals, averaging 2.7 per game
- Argentina have scored at least twice in every knockout match
- This is Argentina’s second consecutive World Cup final and Spain’s first since lifting the trophy in 2010
Prediction for Spain vs Argentina
Argentina have repeatedly demonstrated why they are reigning world champions, but Spain have looked like the most complete team in the competition from the group stage through to the semi-finals.
Their defensive organisation has been exceptional, while they possess enough creativity through Yamal, Olmo and Oyarzabal to break down even the strongest opponents.
Expect a closely contested final, but Spain’s balance at both ends of the pitch could prove to be the difference as they lift the World Cup for a second time.
Prediction: Spain 2-1 Argentina
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