India coach Khalid Jamil predicts winner of Spain vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 final

Jamil succeeded two Spaniards, Gerard Nus and Manolo Marquez, while becoming the North East United FC and Indian team head coach!

The biggest game in the history of mankind, the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, is finally here. The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States of America, is all set to host a historic night to decide the next world champions.

From a star-studded halftime show featuring Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS to dignitaries like US President Donald Trump in attendance, the world is just a sleep away from finding out the next world champions.

Amid the buzz and excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, fans all across the globe have been dropping their predictions. From football pundits, fans, to former players, the football fraternity is divided between Spain and Argentina as the next world champions.

Spain, the reigning Euro 2024 champions, have made it to their second-ever World Cup Finals and the first time since winning the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa. La Roja, led by Luis de la Fuente, had the toughest route to the finals after defeating three top-10-ranked teams: Portugal, Belgium, and favourites France.

Argentina, on the other hand are coming off a dramatic series of wins over England, Switzerland, Cape Verde and Egypt. Lionel Scaloni is on the verge of becoming the first manager to win two back-to-back World Cup trophies. La Albiceleste would be keen to add the fourth star on their badge in New York.

There are plenty of football fans in India who have streamed the World Cup games in large numbers, despite the games being scheduled at odd hours in the country. Ahead of the big FIFA World Cup Finals, national team head coach Khalid Jamil has given his verdict on who will win the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Khalid’s heart is with Lionel Messi & Argentina

Khalid Jamil has been an ardent supporter of Argentina. In fact, a lot of Indian fans have been supporting Argentina since Maradona’s time. The late football icon visited India three separate times in 2008, 2012 and 2017. Emi Martinez also made a visit to Kolkata back in 2023.

Moreover, a few months ago, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul visited India in the GOAT Tour. Several Argentine players like Jorge Pereyra Diaz, former Mumbai City player Diego Nadaya and former Kerala Blasters midfielder Facundo Pereyra have plied their trade in the ISL.

Khalid Jamil said, “Yes, my heart is with Messi and Argentina, no doubt. My family is also supporting Argentina, and I also like Messi, and he has done well. I think, let’s see.”

Khalid’s gut feeling backs Spain in World Cup Finals

Rather than extending his support directly to one team, the former I League winning gaffer chose to be diplomatic and said that despite his heart choosing Argentina, he still feels Spain have the upper hand. He has a lot of experience playing and coaching Spanish players in the ISL.

He has personally worked with former Real Madrid reserves player Javi Hernandez and Javi Siverio during his Jamshedpur FC days. In fact, he succeeded two Spaniards, Gerard Nus as North East United FC coach and Manolo Marquez, before taking over the reins of the national team.

Jamil added, “I think Spain is in good form. They have the upper hand. They are in good shape. They conceded only one goal in the tournament. They have a compact midfield and aggressive wing players, especially Yamal, who is a very good, speedy player,” he said.

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