7M - FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: Spain vs Argentina - prediction, team news, lineups

The stage is set for a historic showdown at MetLife Stadium as European powerhouses Spain face off against defending champions Argentina in the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19.

Both sides have navigated incredibly demanding paths to reach the showpiece event of international football, promising a spectacular tactical battle between two teams in sensational domestic and international form.

Match Preview

Spain head into the final riding an extraordinary wave of momentum and a highly impressive unbeaten streak. Luis de la Fuente's side have won seven, drawn three, and lost zero of their last 10 games across all competitions. This remarkable run includes a current six-match winning streak, and they have incredibly gone 24 consecutive matches without tasting defeat when designated as the home side. Offensively, La Roja average 1.7 goals per game, though their recent fixtures have leaned toward tactical control, with over 2.5 goals occurring in just four of their last 10 matches. Defensively, Spain have been incredibly solid, scoring first in eight of their last 10 matches and keeping clean sheets in five of those victories.

Argentina, on the other hand, enter the final as an unstoppable force. The Albiceleste have achieved a perfect record of 10 wins from their last 10 matches, forming part of an incredible 14-game winning run. Their attacking play has been explosive, averaging a massive 2.9 goals per game during this stretch, with over 2.5 goals featuring in eight of their last 10 encounters. Lionel Scaloni's men have scored in 14 consecutive games and broke the deadlock first in seven of their last 10 matches. However, their aggressive style has left some space at the back, with both teams scoring in each of Argentina's last five matches.

Historically, matchups between these two footballing giants have guaranteed goals. In their last four head-to-head encounters, over 2.5 goals came out in every single match, with both teams finding the back of the net in all four games. Spain have averaged 2.75 goals per game in these past meetings, while Argentina have averaged 1.75 goals.

Team News

Spain will heavily pin their attacking hopes on Mikel Oyarzabal, who has been in clinical form with five goals in his last six World Cup appearances, including a crucial strike in the semi-final win over France. Support will come from a highly creative supporting cast featuring Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Baena, and Pedro Porro (who has scored twice in his last six games). In midfield, Mikel Merino and Fabian Ruiz will provide the crucial balance needed to disrupt Argentina's rhythm.

For Argentina, Lionel Messi remains the focal point of the attack. The legendary playmaker has continued to deliver on the biggest stage, registering five goals across his last six World Cup outings. Scaloni has a fully motivated squad at his disposal, with players like Julian Alvarez and Alexis Mac Allister expected to play key roles in keeping their 14-match winning streak alive.

Spain Possible Starting Lineup:

Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Oyarzabal

Argentina Possible Starting Lineup:

E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez, Gonzalez

Prediction: Spain 2-1 Argentina

While Argentina's flawless 14-match winning streak and explosive 2.9 goals-per-game average make them incredibly dangerous, Spain's exceptional defensive discipline and tactical flexibility could prove to be the deciding factors. Backed by an incredible 24-match unbeaten run as the designated home side and a clinical habit of scoring the opening goal, Spain possess the organization required to absorb Argentina's attacking waves and claim World Cup glory in a tight, dramatic encounter.