Guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final as Spain meet Argentina in a blockbuster showdown between the reigning European and South American champions.
Victory would see Spain claim only their second Men’s World Cup title, whilst Argentina chase a fourth title in this competition.
Team News
Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal are fit for Spain after recovering from respective muscle and thigh issues suffered in their 2-0 semi-final victory over France.
Yeremy Pino is back in training after recovering from a collarbone injury but is unlikely to be rushed back into the starting line-up.
Argentina have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 2-1 semi-final comeback against England, although it is unlikely that any players will be suspended for a post-match incident involving a political banner.
When is Kick-Off?
Spain meet Argentina at MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey, USA, on Sunday 19 July at 3pm EDT (8pm BST), live on BBC One BBC iPlayer, ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Spain lost their only previous World Cup meeting against Argentina by a 2-1 result in the 1966 edition in their Group B opener, with Luis Artime having scored Argentina’s two goals despite a brief equaliser from Pirri.
- Argentina are playing as the designated away team against Spain in a World Cup match for the first time, having been the designated home team in 1966.
- Victory would see Spain become the first country to hold the Men and Women’s World Cup titles simultaneously.
- Argentina have won just three of six previous World Cup Finals that they’ve participated in (W3, L3).
Prediction
After clinically dispatching France with a dominant well-controlled performance, Spain now need to just stay focused and bring their top quality one last time because there is no doubt that they can win this if they play their best football and stay defensively tight.
Argentina meanwhile are lucky that Thomas Tuchel bungled up England’s gameplan shortly after the Three Lions took the lead, as they frankly lacked much clinical composure or quality until they fell behind much like against Egypt which is a worry coming into this tricky final.
Their defence though is vulnerable when caught up the pitch so it is imperative that they’re wary of Spain’s pace – especially on the right with Lamine Yamal, although it is worth noting that they’re frankly lucky to not have several players suspended following their incompetently inept Falklands banner stunt.
Nevertheless this should be a great battle but given that Argentina have had plenty of luck just to get to this showpiece, it’s time for their karma to be publicly served on the biggest stage imaginable.
Prediction: Spain 2-1 Argentina
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