Match details
Spain
World CupWhy this tip?
The strongest bet for this final is Spain Double Chance (Win or Draw) in normal time. La Roja has showed that they have a very consistent tactical setup as they have never been trailing in any of their matches during the tournament.
We’re down to the last two. Throughout the journey we saw power houses like Germany and Brazil fall. Despite a shocking 0-0 slow start to Cape Verde, Spain picked up pace to rightfully earn a place in the finals. Theoretically, Argentina have had an “easier” path where they didn’t face a top 15 FIFA team until they got to the semifinals against fourth placed England.
The match will be played at the MetLife Stadium located in the New York/New Jersey region on Sunday, 19 July, starting at 22:00 our local time in EAT. Spain look to add another global trophy after lifting the trophy in 2010 while Argentina will seek to add the fourth and consecutive world title after winning in Qatar in 2022.
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Matchday: Final
- Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
- Kick-off time in EAT: 22:00 EAT (15:00 local New York time)
- Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey
Why this match matters
This game will feature the most balanced and harmonious Spain side ever and the one with great consistency. While Argentina has knockout experience, big game temperament and defending champions pressure. With both teams full of star players that can create magic, bets related to goal-based markets, both teams to score and player bets are especially attractive to bettors.
Spain vs Argentina head-to-head stats
Previous meetings
- Spain vs Argentina 6:1
- Argentina vs Spain 4:1
- Spain vs Argentina 2:1
- Spain vs Argentina 2:1
- Argentina vs Spain 1:1
Head-to-head record
There was a plan for the 2026 Finalissima to have Spain and Argentina play against each other as winners of Euro 2024 and Copa América 2024, but the match planned to be hosted in Lusail was canceled.
Both nations have similar records against each other having won six games and drawn twice in total fourteen official international meetings between them. This will be the first meeting between them in the World Cup finals having met previously only once in the World Cup in 1966 where South Americans defeated La Roja with a score of 2-1 in a group stage match. Recently, Spain defeated them in a friendly in 2018 6-1 while they managed to turn tables on them in the most recent friendly in 2024 with a score of 2-1.
Spain recent form
Spain’s last five matches
- France vs Spain 0:2
- Spain vs Belgium 2:1
- Portugal vs Spain 0:1
- Spain vs Austria 3:0
- Uruguay vs Spain 0:1
Goals scored and conceded
La Roja have scored eighteen goals on North American soil thus far in the tournament. In defensive terms, however, they have proved quite soft by letting in seven goals.
Key trends from recent matches
Spain enters the final on the back of an unbeaten streak of six games. Under coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain have built an amazing tendency of scoring in the first half. Indeed, in five of their last six matches, La Roja opened the scoring in the first half. This tactic forms part of their strategic game plan based on early domination in corner kicks and limiting shooting opportunities of opponents inside the six-yard box.
Argentina recent form
Argentina’s last five matches
- England vs Argentina 1:2
- Argentina vs Switzerland 3:1
- Argentina vs Egypt 3:2
- Argentina vs Cabo Verde 3:2
- Jordan vs Argentina 1:3
Goals scored and conceded
Argentina has been one of the most effective strikers in the continent having scored nineteen goals in the competition. It has had trouble keeping clean sheets after shipping six goals during its campaigns in the tournament.
Key trends from recent matches
The main trait of Scaloni’s team is their ability to score late in the game. Indeed, they scored twelve out of the nineteen goals they scored in the seventieth minute or later. Moreover, the away team is currently enjoying an incredible streak of twenty consecutive games without a loss in all tournaments. They have the attitude of champions who find ways to win even in poor performance. Most of the away team’s recent games have been quite high-scoring.
Team news
Home Team News, Injuries, and Suspensions
The home team enters the finals in great form with a perfectly healthy squad that enables de la Fuente to name the best team possible. Rodri will be tasked with organizing the midfield for the team as the main playmaker. The wing positions will see Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams try to exploit any weakness of the opposition, with Dani Olmo playing as the central playmaker and creator.
Away Team News, Injuries and Suspensions
There is not a problem with injuries or suspensions in the Argentina team, meaning that Scaloni can pick the team of the most talented players on the planet. As usual, Lionel Messi will take charge of the attacking sector, having done a superb job in the semi-final when he set up two goals for his teammates to win the match. The central position will be occupied by Lautaro Martínez who is supposed to find the back of the net.
Predicted lineups
Spain predicted XI
- Spain probable XI: Simón, Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Ruiz, Baena, Olmo, Yamal, Oyarzabal
Argentina predicted XI
- Argentina probable XI: Martínez, Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico, Simeone, Paredes, Mac Allister, Fernández, Messi, Alvarez
Best betting markets for Spain vs Argentina
- Tip 1: Under 2.5 Goals
World Cup finals are always very tense and stressful games where both sides are afraid to make mistakes early in the game. The Spanish have a very good defense and they will work hard to shut Lionel Messi down and eliminate the supply lines.
- Tip 2: Draw at Full-Time
The two teams will have very good rosters and historical balanced statistics between each other and it is very likely that ninety minutes will not be enough to differentiate the two. Argentina has the potential to drag the game to extra-time, while Spain is more organized and disciplined.
- Tip 3: Both Teams to Score (No)
Spain has an excellent track-record of conceding only a single goal throughout the whole World Cup tournament. If the Spanish are able to control the possession through Rodri, they will deny Argentina any opportunities with the ball and keep a clean sheet, resulting in at least one team not managing to score.
- Tip 4: Spain to Lift the Trophy
La Roja have proved themselves to be the most balanced and tactically astute team of the tournament as they were beating their heavyweights quite easily. While Argentina have individual talents like Lionel Messi, Spain have better cohesion and midfield stability to prevail.
Where to bet on Spain vs Argentina
Spain vs Argentina prediction
Best bet
The strongest bet for this final is Spain Double Chance (Win or Draw) in normal time. La Roja has showed that they have a very consistent tactical setup as they have never been trailing in any of their matches during the tournament. Argentina has some defensive issues against the lesser opponents, which means that Spain’s very clinical attack will find the gaps, while Spain will have excellent midfield control.
Correct score prediction
Our correct score prediction for this final will be a 1-0 victory for Spain in normal time. The Spanish defense is nearly perfect and their discipline will shut Argentina down for all the ninety minutes. One moment of individual brilliance from Lamine Yamal or Dani Olmo might be a deciding factor in an extremely tight and defensive battle.
Match analysis and verdict
This final is going to be an epic showdown that might go into extra time or even to the penalty shootout. Spain have midfield control to dominate the game and set the pace, while Argentina have mystic qualities allowing them to withstand any pressure. We expect a very tactical ninety minutes ending in a draw with Spain winning in extra time due to superior physical conditioning and bigger squad depth.
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