Spain vs Argentina Preview - Prediction, team news, lineups | FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Can Spain stop Lionel Messi and Argentina from picking up back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will see Argentina going up against Spain to decide who gets crowned the champions of the world. Both nations have reached the peak before with Lionel Messi and company entering the decider as the defending champions.

While Spain have been fantastic in defence, the Argentines have made it a habit to script fairytale comebacks in this World Cup. With both teams equally matched, it will be tough to predict who will take home the trophy on Sunday.

Preview

Kickoff

• Location: New Jersey
• Stadium: New York-New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium)
• Date: Sunday, 19 July 2026
• Kick-Off Time: 03:00 PM (EST) | 07:00 PM (GMT) | 20/07/2026 – 12:30 AM (IST)
• Referee: Slavko Vincic
• VAR: In Use

Form

Spain: W-W-W-W-W

Argentina: W-W-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Rodri (Spain)

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner does not have a goal or assist to his name in the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, no direct goal contributions does not discount the influence Rodri has had on Spain and in their midfield.

The Manchester City star has completed 655 passes in the tournament. On the defensive aspect, Rodri has made 22 tackles and has 37 defensive contributions. He has also won 41 duels and has been dispossessed just 4 times in the seven World Cup games he has played.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Can we even select any other player aside from the Little Magician? Lionel Messi has single handedly powered Argentina all the way to the final. If you thought his efforts in the 2022 FIFA World Cup were good, Messi in 2026 has shown results beyond one’s expectations.

The 39-year-old has 8 goals and 4 assists in 7 World Cup games, something that has never been done before. Keeping him silent will not be easy as Messi will need just 1 big chance to turn the game and get Argentina back-to-back World Cup titles.

Match Facts

• Argentina are three-time FIFA World Cup champions while Spain have won the tournament once
• Spain have made history by becoming the first team to keep six clean sheets in a FIFA World Cup tournament
• Lionel Messi has either scored or assisted a goal in every match for Argentina in this World Cup
• Both Spain and Argentina are unbeaten in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Injury and Team News

There are no major injury concerns for Spain and Argentina ahead of their encounter in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday.

Head-to-Head Stats

Matches played: 14Spain Wins: 6Draws: 2Argentina Wins: 2

Predicted Line-Ups

Spain (4-2-3-1) – Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz, Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal

Argentina (4-2-3-1) – E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico; Simeonse, E. Fernandez, Paredes, Mac Allister; Messi, Julian Alvarez

Match Prediction

Spain have perfected their possession-based gameplay in this World Cup. Their defence and midfield is in top form and they are playing together well as a unit. Their only concern would be that they don’t have a proper “goal machine” in their ranks and hence scoring a goal in the final could be a challenge.

Argentina on the other hand are slightly over-reliant on Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami star is in the form of his life in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, if he is taken out of the equation, La Albiceleste might struggle to create chances.

Match Prediction: Spain 1-0 Argentina

Telecast Details

• India: Unite8 Sports Channels
• UK: BBC & ITV
• USA: FOX Sports
• Nigeria: DStv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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