Argentina and Spain will meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The two sides have earned their place through contrasting routes, and the showdown pits the defending champions against Europe’s reigning continental winners.
How Argentina and Spain Reached the Final
Argentina’s path looked comfortable on paper, but results told a different story. Cape Verde pushed the world champions into extra time in the round of 32 before losing 3-2. Egypt fell 3-2 in the round of 16 after VAR decisions shaped the outcome.
Switzerland nearly forced penalties in the quarterfinal until a red card turned the game. England led for most of the semifinal before Argentina scored twice late to win 2-1. Lionel Scaloni’s team has repeatedly found a way to win close matches.
Spain’s route carried less early drama. The European champions opened with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, then won 2-1 against Belgium in the quarterfinal. They conceded only one goal across the tournament before the final. In the semifinal against France, Spain delivered a 2-0 win built on midfield control from Rodri and Fabián Ruiz, limiting Kylian Mbappé and his attacking partners to almost nothing.
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Key Players to Watch
Lionel Messi remains central to Argentina’s campaign at 39 years old. He has scored eight goals so far, level with Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot. Lautaro Martínez and Enzo Fernández have also contributed, each scoring twice, including in the semifinal win over England.
For Spain, Mikel Oyarzabal has been the standout forward with five goals across the tournament, including three in the knockout rounds. The Real Sociedad striker also scored the winning goal in Spain’s Euro 2024 final victory over England two years ago.
Where the Final Could Be Decided
Spain’s control of midfield against France showed their ability to shut down high-quality attacking play. Argentina, by contrast, relies on numbers around Messi and disrupts the opposition’s rhythm through repeated fouls. How Spain responds to that approach over the full 90 minutes, not just parts of the match, may decide the game.
Argentina has scored late winners against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and England, and their ability to strike in the closing stages remains a factor Spain must plan for.
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Odds and Predictions
According to DK Sports, Spain enter as favorites at +115, with Argentina priced at +285. A draw after 90 minutes is set at +200.
ESPN’s panel of writers leans toward Spain, with several predicting a 2-1 or 3-1 scoreline in La Roja’s favor, citing their composure and midfield dominance. Others back Argentina, pointing to the team’s habit of finding late goals under pressure. One prediction favors Argentina 2-1, while another suggests a heavier 4-1 win for Spain.
The final will also mark a personal milestone, with Messi and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal facing each other competitively for the first time, more than a decade after the two first met as Messi held Yamal as an infant during a charity photoshoot at Camp Nou.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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