Will Rodrigo De Paul play tonight for Argentina vs Spain in FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?

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Rodrigo De Paul has been crucial for Argentina throughout the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its final fixture. The battle for football’s most coveted title is set to be played out between two heavyweight nations. In the historic final, the Argentina national football team will face Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, USA.
Argentina and Spain have a huge history between them. They have played 14 times against each other, with both nations winning six times each.
However, both nations have met at the World Cup only once before. During the 1966 group stages, La Albiceleste secured a 2-1 group-stage victory.
Also read: Will Lionel Messi play tonight for Argentina vs Spain in FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?
Will Rodrigo De Paul play against Spain?

Rodrigo De Paul is in peak fitness and is guaranteed to feature against Spain, though whether he starts remains doubtful. His explosive box-to-box energy, press-resistance, and ball-winning intensity will be absolutely vital against La Roja’s world-class midfield.
Rodrigo De Paul has been one of Argentina’s incredible midfielders in this World Cup. He anchors the midfield with absolute discipline while constantly making crucial defensive interceptions. He simply provides a massive advantage for La Albiceleste.
De Paul has displayed his elite big-game experience throughout the tournament, especially in the high-stakes knockout fixtures. He was crucial as Argentina secured dramatic victories, defying all odds. Especially against physical opponents like Egypt to guide them deeper into the competition.
He was instrumental in the semi-finals against England. While Lionel Scaloni initially started Giuliano Simeone for direct attacking width, De Paul came off the bench in the second half. He played a crucial role as Argentina secured a dramatic 2-1 victory to book a place in consecutive finals.
He has managed to maintain a staggering 91% passing completion rate throughout the tournament. It will be essential against a defensively organised nation like Spain. His relentless work rate and tactical intelligence are vital to stopping La Roja’s possession-based style.
Will Rodrigo De Paul play tonight in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final?
Yes, he will play. However, whether he starts or comes off the bench will be a tactical decision by coach Lionel Scaloni.
When and where will the Spain vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 final be?
20 July at 12:30 am IST. It will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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Basil Elias Benoy is a sports journalist with a deep passion for football, cricket, and kabaddi. A devoted supporter of Manchester United and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he combines his academic background in Economics with hands-on experience in sports media. His work ranges from professional sports content creation for digital platforms to on-ground reporting for Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters.