The 2026 World Cup comes to a close this Sunday as Spain and Argentina go head-to-head at the New York New Jersey Stadium with football’s biggest prize on the line.
Spain have been one of the tournament’s most impressive sides and secured their place in the final with a deserved victory over France in the semi-finals.
Luis de la Fuente’s team controlled long spells of the contest and produced another mature performance to move within one win of a second World Cup crown. France were never really in the game, and Spain eventually ran out 2-0 winners.
They also kept yet another clean sheet, meaning they enter the final after conceding just one goal all tournament.
Argentina’s route to the final was far more dramatic. Lionel Scaloni’s side looked to be heading out against England before a late comeback turned the match on its head.
Goals from Enzo Fernández and substitute Lautaro Martínez sealed a thrilling 2-1 victory. Keeping Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup alive. Two assists from Lionel Messi emphasised just how important he is to Argentina’s success even at 39.
Now, two of international football’s biggest names are left standing.
Spain will look to complete a superb tournament with another composed display. While Argentina are aiming to defend the trophy they won in Qatar and give Lionel Messi the perfect send-off.
How to watch Spain vs Argentina
Spain vs Argentina kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Sunday, July 19 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
This match will be shown live in the UK on both ITV and BBC. Streaming is also available via ITVX and BBC iPlayer.
In the United States, World Cup coverage is available on FOX Sports and Telemundo.
In Canada, coverage is available on CTV, TSN and RDS.
What have the managers said?
Luis de la Fuente:
“This team has recovered the spirit of 2010. We have a group that believes in each other, works for each other and never stops competing.”
Looking ahead to facing Argentina, he also highlighted the respect between the two managers:
“Lionel Scaloni is a friend and someone I admire. He has built an extraordinary team, but now we have to try to beat them.”
Lionel Scaloni:
“We’ve already achieved something incredible. This team never gives up and now we’ll give everything we have in the final.”
Speaking about Spain, Scaloni had nothing but respect for Sunday’s opponents.
“Spain are a great team. They deserved to win their semi-final and we know how difficult this final will be.”
Spain vs Argentina stats
- Spain reached the 2026 World Cup final after beating France in the semi-finals.
- Argentina booked their place in Sunday’s final with a dramatic comeback victory over England in the last four.
- Spain are unbeaten at the 2026 World Cup and have conceded just one goal.
- Argentina are also unbeaten and are looking to become the first nation to successfully defend the World Cup since Brazil in 1962.
- This will be the first ever meeting between Spain and Argentina at a FIFA World Cup.
- Argentina won the most recent meeting between the two nations, claiming a 1-0 friendly victory in March 2024.
- Spain are aiming to win the World Cup for the second time, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010.
- Argentina are chasing a fourth World Cup title after triumphs in 1978, 1986 and 2022.
- Lionel Messi could become the first captain to lift back-to-back World Cups since Cafu with Brazil in 2002.
Spain vs Argentina prediction
You could make a strong case for either side lifting the trophy on Sunday.
Spain have arguably been the best team to watch throughout the tournament. They have controlled games with the ball, defended well when needed and looked dangerous going forward.
Their semi-final win over France only reinforced the feeling that this is a team built for the biggest occasions.
Argentina, though, know exactly how to win knockout football. Lionel Scaloni’s side had to dig deep to come from behind in every stage of the knockouts. That shows the kind of resilience that champions need. They never panic, they stay in games and they have players who can decide a match in an instant.
The battle in midfield could decide everything. Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz will look to dictate the tempo, while Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Paredes will do everything they can to disrupt Spain’s rhythm.
Then there is Lionel Messi. He may not be at his peak physically, but writing him off before a World Cup final feels like a mistake. Time and again, he has shown that he needs only one moment to change a game. Just ask England.
At the other end, Spain have plenty of match-winners of their own. Lamine Yamal hasn’t been as impressive as some expected, but he has still caused problems.
If Argentina’s defence gets dragged out of position, Spain have the pace to punish them.
I expect a tense, tactical final with very little separating the two teams. Spain may see more of the ball, but Argentina have the experience and composure to stay in the contest until the final whistle.
If I had to pick a winner, I’d just about side with Spain. They have looked the more complete team from the opening game of the tournament, and I think they can edge a tight final, even if it takes extra time.
My picks for this game would be: Spain to win, both teams to score and Mikel Oyarzabal to score anytime.
