Spain vs Argentina combined XI for FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final clash ft. Lionel Messi

The Spain vs Argentina clash will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has its two finalists, with Spain set to take on Argentina in the showpiece event on July 19. The reigning European and South American champions will go head-to-head in a bid to win the expanded 48-team World Cup title in North America.

Both teams have been incredible throughout the tournament, but they have had to struggle past their challenges en route to the final. La Roja topped Group H with two wins, despite an opening-day draw with debutants Cape Verde.

Luis de la Fuente’s side then cruised past Austria in the Round of 32. Mikel Merino then scored a late goal to overcome Portugal in the Round of 16, and the midfielder scored the winner in the 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarter-finals. A 2-0 victory over France booked Spain’s berth in the final.

Argentina, meanwhile, topped Group J with three wins out of three. The defending champions then battled past Cape Verde with a 3-2 win after extra time, before beating Egypt by the same score in the Round of 16.

They beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals. Lionel Messi then set up two late goals to power La Albiceleste past England in a 2-1 semi-final victory.

Also Read: ‘It will be a special match’ – Lionel Messi gives verdict on facing Spain in FIFA World Cup 2026 final

Spain vs Argentina Combined XI

Thoughts on the Spain vs Argentina combined XI

Note: The players have been chosen based on their performances in the ongoing World Cup, rather than their overall quality.

Both sides are blessed with incredible goalkeepers. Emiliano Martinez has been incredible between the sticks for La Albiceleste, making four key saves against Switzerland. However, Unai Simon has been a class apart in the ongoing tournament, conceding just once from 10 shots faced.

At right-back, Pedro Porro has been superb, scoring two goals for his nation. As a result, he is picked over Nahuel Molina. Similarly, Marc Cucurella has been brilliant at left-back, being picked over Nicolas Tagliafico.

Pau Cubarsi will feel hard done by for not making the combined XI, but Cristian Romero has been one of the best defenders in the tournament. He is accompanied by Aymeric Laporte, who has marshalled the Spanish defence with his experience.

Both Rodri and Leandro Paredes have been brilliant as defensive midfielders for their nations. However, the Manchester City player gets the nod for having played more matches in the tournament. Enzo Fernandez is picked over Fabian Ruiz for the same reason, even though the latter has been solid in the last two matches.

Dani Olmo has two assists to his name and has formed a formidable partnership with Mikel Oyarzabal. Although Alexis Mac Allister also has two goal contributions, Olmo is preferred for his consistent displays, although it is a tight call.

Alex Baena has been an unsung hero for La Roja. Although he has not been so effective in the last two games, he still warrants a place over the inconsistent Thiago Almada and Rodrigo De Paul. Julian Alvarez scored one of the goals of the tournament against Switzerland, but Oyarzabal gets the nod for his goalscoring displays in the group stage.

On the right, Lionel Messi starts ahead of Lamine Yamal. The Argentine skipper has been in superb form in the tournament, scoring eight goals and registering four assists. Although Yamal has been key for his nation and starred against Belgium, he falls short of Messi’s genius.

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