Spain vs Argentina World Cup 2026 final preview, team news and prediction

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Spain reach the final riding a run of six straight victories, highlighted by a 2-0 semi-final win over France in which La Roja neutralised Les Bleus’ main threats of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola. Defensive strength has underpinned Spain’s campaign. Only Belgium have managed to breach their back line so far, a level of control and consistency that has positioned the European champions as favourites with World Cup betting sites ahead of Sunday’s showpiece.

Spain are priced as the slight favourites at 5/4 with William Hill while Argentina are 5/2 with Sky Bet and a draw to force it into extra-time is 21/10 with AK Bets . You can also find more betting offers at the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers .

Luis de la Fuente has shaped a team defined more by collective structure than individual stardom, but the talent is undeniable. Lamine Yamal, Spain’s chief creative outlet from the right, has seven goals in 32 internationals and has been central to their attacking thrust throughout the tournament.

Rodri sets the platform in midfield. The captain’s ability to break up transitions and control the rhythm of Spain’s build-up has been crucial to a system opponents have struggled to disrupt.

Further forward, Dani Olmo has been key in the pockets. Operating between the lines, his movement around the box has repeatedly opened up angles and provided solutions against well-organised defences in the knockout rounds.

Argentina, meanwhile, are also unbeaten at World Cup 2026, winning every match so far. But their path has been less straightforward: two knockout ties went to extra time and two required comebacks and Scaloni’s side have not yet encountered a defence as cohesive as Spain’s.

Lionel Messi has still been the headline act despite turning 39 during the tournament, with eight goals and four assists. He will be eager to strengthen his legacy further by leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles.

Julián Álvarez adds a different dimension with mobility, physicality and finishing which has delivered consistently, with 15 goals in 58 caps while providing the running power Messi cannot.

Argentina’s biggest worry is at the other end. They’ve conceded seven times in their last five games, a sharp drop-off from the five consecutive clean sheets that preceded that run.

Scaloni has shown tactical flexibility throughout the competition, but Spain’s press - built on compact lines and rapid ball recoveries - is likely to pose a more sustained test than England did, after sitting deep and allowing pressure during Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final comeback.

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Pedro Porro missed Thursday’s session with a minor muscle issue but is expected to be fit for the final.

Spain are set up in a 4-2-3-1 with Mikel Oyarzabal leading the line (30 goals in 60 caps, five this World Cup), supported by Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal. Pau Cubarsí has impressed alongside Aymeric Laporte, adding composure in build-up. The main selection call is on the left, with Álex Baena likely to keep his place ahead of an only-just-fit Nico Williams.

Argentina have a full squad available. Scaloni is expected to stick with Julián Álvarez over Lautaro Martínez for his pressing and versatility, and could again use Giuliano Simeone on the right with Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández central.

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