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 time in the men’s World Cup final between Europe and South America, Spain is chasing a second world title and Argentina is looking to become the first country 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 overcome Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France to emerge as the rightful favourites.
While much of the attention has focused on youngster Lamine Yamal, Spain’s defensive record has arguably been even more impressive.
La Roja scored just one goal in the entire tournament and destroyed France’s star-studded attack in a 2-0 semi-final win.
Mikel Oyarzabal led the line admirably, Pedro Porro emerged as one of the tournament’s standout players from right back, while Rodri continues to dictate plays from midfield.
Victory on Sunday would complete one of the biggest international campaigns in modern history, adding the World Cup to the European Championship they are lifting in 2024.
Argentina, however, knows exactly what it takes to win at the biggest stage of all.
Lionel Scaloni’s side won every game en route to the final, defeating Mexico, Japan and Paraguay in the group stage before knocking out Brazil, England and Colombia in the knockout round.
Their 3-2 semi-final victory over England showed the resilience that has defined this generation, recovering from a deficit before Lionel Messi inspired another comeback.
The reigning world champions have been devastating going forward, scoring more goals than any other team in the competition, with Messi and Julian Alvarez combining to shine throughout the knockout rounds.
Defensively, they looked more vulnerable than Spain, but Argentina repeatedly found a way to outscore the opposition when it mattered most.
Spain vs Argentina team news
Spain have no major injury concerns ahead of the final.
Yamal and Porro both suffered minor fitness issues following the semi-final win over France, but neither problem is expected to prevent them from starting.
De la Fuente is likely to stick with the squad that guides Spain in the knockout stages, with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz filling the midfield behind the attacking quartet led by Oyarzabal.
Argentina also have an almost fully balanced squad available.
Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes have recovered from scoring minor goals to play against England and are expected to keep their places.
Rodrigo De Paul is aiming to return to the starting line-up after appearing on the bench, while Messi and Alvarez will once again lead the attack as Argentina chase back-to-back World Cup titles.
Expected matches of 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, live streaming online
The match will take place on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, 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.
Statistics for Spain vs Argentina
- La Roja has conceded just one goal in this competition and has collected six points
- Spain eliminated Portugal, Belgium and France in the knockout round
- Mikel Oyarzabal has scored five goals in this tournament
- Spain have conceded the fewest goals of any team at the 2026 World Cup
- Argentina have won all seven of their matches en route to the final
- The reigning champions have scored a competition-high 19 goals, an average of 2.7 per game
- Argentina have scored at least two goals in every playoff game
- This is Argentina’s second consecutive World Cup final and Spain’s first since lifting the trophy in 2010.
Prediction Spain vs Argentina
Argentina have shown time and time again why they are reigning world champions, but Spain have looked the most complete team in the tournament from the group stage to the semi-finals.
Their defensive organization has been exceptional, while they have enough creativity in Yamal, Olmo and Oyarzabal to break down even the toughest opponents.
Expect a highly-anticipated final, but Spain’s consistency at both ends of the pitch could be the difference as they lift the World Cup for the second time.
Prediction: Spain 2-1 Argentina
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