Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has made three changes to the starting lineup for today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Final against Spain at MetLife Stadium.
The defending champions will line up with some surprises as they chase back-to-back World Cup titles. Kick-off is at 3:00 PM ET.
Argentina Starting XI (4-3-3)
Spain World Cup 2026 Squad of Final 26 Players
| Position | Player | Club | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Emiliano Martínez | Aston Villa | – |
| RB | Nahuel Molina | Atlético Madrid | – |
| CB | Cristian Romero | Tottenham | – |
| CB | Lisandro Martínez | Manchester United | – |
| LB | Nicolás Tagliafico | Lyon | – |
| CM | Rodrigo De Paul | Atlético Madrid | – |
| CM | Enzo Fernández | Chelsea | IN |
| CM | Alexis Mac Allister | Liverpool | – |
| RW | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | – |
| ST | Julián Álvarez | Atlético Madrid | – |
| LW | Lautaro Martínez | Inter Milan | OUT |
Key Changes:
- Lautaro Martínez dropped — The Inter Milan striker is replaced by Julián Álvarez up front. Scaloni is going with more mobility and pressing.
- Enzo Fernández starts — The Chelsea midfielder comes into the team in place of a more defensive option, signalling a more attacking approach.
- Defensive tweak — One full-back adjustment for better balance on the left side.
Bench: Franco Armani, Gonzalo Montiel, Germán Pezzella, Guido Rodríguez, Thiago Almada, Ángel Di María, Paulo Dybala.
Spain Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3)
Luis de la Fuente is expected to name a very strong side for the final.
Argentina World Cup 2026 Squad of Final 26 Players
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Unai Simón | Athletic Bilbao |
| RB | Dani Carvajal | Real Madrid |
| CB | Aymeric Laporte | Al-Nassr |
| CB | Pau Torres | Aston Villa |
| LB | Alejandro Balde | Barcelona |
| CM | Rodri | Manchester City |
| CM | Pedri | Barcelona |
| CM | Gavi | Barcelona |
| RW | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona |
| ST | Álvaro Morata | Atlético Madrid |
| LW | Nico Williams | Athletic Bilbao |
Bench: David Raya, Jesús Navas, Robin Le Normand, Mikel Merino, Fabián Ruiz, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo.
Why These Changes for Argentina?
Scaloni’s decision to drop Lautaro Martínez is the biggest surprise. The Inter striker has been a key goal threat, but Julián Álvarez’s work rate and link-up play with Messi have earned him the starting spot for the biggest game of the tournament.
The inclusion of Enzo Fernández adds creativity and control in midfield, suggesting Argentina want to dominate possession against Spain’s young and technical side.
Tactical Outlook
This final pits Argentina’s experience and star power (led by Messi) against Spain’s youthful energy and technical brilliance. Both teams play attractive, attacking football, promising an open and exciting match.
Messi will be looking to end his World Cup career with a second title, while Spain’s young stars like Lamine Yamal and Pedri will be aiming to win their first major trophy.
Match Prediction
- Argentina 2-1 Spain (After Extra Time)
The experience of Messi and the tactical discipline of Scaloni could prove decisive in what is expected to be a very close contest.
