Spain vs Argentina is the Final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match takes place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kick-off is at 3:00 PM ET.
Spain reached the final with a 2-0 win over France, while Argentina advanced after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against England.
Here are the latest predicted starting XIs based on form, team news, and recent reports.
Spain vs Argentina Predicted Lineups
The predicted starting lineups for Spain and Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final see both squads lining up in their most optimal tactical frameworks:
Spain Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
- Defenders: Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella
- Midfielders: Rodri, Fabián Ruiz
- Attackers: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena
- Striker: Mikel Oyarzabal
Notes
Luis de la Fuente is expected to stick close to the side that beat France. Pedri may start instead of Fabián Ruiz depending on fitness and form. Lamine Yamal is fully fit after a minor knock in the semi-final.
Spain Injury & Team News
No major fresh injuries. Lamine Yamal is available. Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino remain long-term absentees from earlier in the tournament.
Argentina Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3 / 4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
- Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico
- Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister
- Forwards: Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez
Notes
Lionel Scaloni is likely to restore Rodrigo De Paul after he impressed as a substitute against England. Gonzalo Montiel is an option at right-back.
Lautaro Martínez is expected to start on the bench as a high-impact substitute (he scored the winner in the semi-final).
Argentina Injury & Team News
Cristian Romero came through the semi-final and is expected to start. The squad is largely fit after the physical battle with England.
Key Talking Points
Spain will look to control possession through Rodri and their technical midfield, while relying on Yamal’s creativity and Oyarzabal’s finishing.
Argentina will stay compact, defend deep when needed, and look to release Messi and Álvarez on the counter. Set-pieces and late-game impact substitutes could prove decisive.
Prediction
This is expected to be a tight, high-quality final. Spain are slight favourites due to their defensive record, but Argentina’s big-game experience and Messi’s quality make them extremely dangerous.
- Most likely score: Spain 2-1 Argentina (or Argentina to win on penalties).
