Argentina vs. Spain, 2026 World Cup final selection, predictions: Who will win it all?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup comes down to this — Argentina will face Spain on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, and the biggest trophy in sports is on the line. With all the ingredients for another epic final, the defending champions chasing history against the reigning European champions looking for their second star.

Argentina came here the hard way, needing a late comeback to break English hearts in the semi-final and keep Lionel Messi’s dream of back-to-back titles alive. No team has won the title since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, and Lionel Scaloni’s side are doing everything they can to give their country another great moment.

Spain, on the other hand, has been the most complete team in the tournament, riding a wave led by discipline, organization and balance, to reach the men’s World Cup final for the second time.

So who wins? Here are our experts who lifted the trophy on Sunday.

Here’s how we think things will go:

Selected for the World Cup finals

Who should step up alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina?

Julian Alvarez: The answer to this question is technically no one – Messi’s skills are unique and really allow him to raise the level of his teammates on his own. That said, Julian Alvarez is in good shape to have as important a day as any of his Argentine counterparts. He entered the World Cup in the form of his life, even if he has one goal to show in the World Cup, and he has a habit of creating opportunities for his teammates. That one goal in the tournament was crucial — it was the go-ahead goal in their quarterfinal win over Switzerland, showing an ability to rise up when the time calls for it. — Pardeep Catry

Julian Alvarez: Every Batman needs his Robin, and with Lionel Messi attracting so much attention on his own, it allows other members of the Argentine team to find a place to work. Spain are not a side that will allow much space, but for a shot-stopper like Alvarez, if he can get on the end of one good chance, that could be enough to break the game and let Argentina control the tempo. — Chuck Booth

Lautaro Martinez: The Inter captain was again strong against England, scoring a late winner to win 2-1 and send Argentina to their second World Cup final in four years. It was a defining moment for Lautaro Martinez, who often faced criticism for his performance with the national team. This time, however, he looks like a completely different player to the one seen in Qatar in 2022, when an ankle injury affected his performances. — Francesco Porzio

Do you think Argentina will aim to be as slow and physical as England?

Yes: Argentina have deservedly been crowned World Cup villains and if you listen to head coach Lionel Scaloni, he seems to have a subtle understanding that they have been riding their luck a bit this summer. However, that doesn’t mean that the trick isn’t to win, and it would be hard to find an opponent who would turn his back on the way to victory and the trophy on the line, no matter how bad. It might not be the only strategy Argentina came up with on Sunday – against England, they actually started to play a more conventional, attack-oriented game in the second half — but there is a strong argument to be made that being thin will throw off a ferocious Spain. — Pardeep Catry

Definitely: One of the best ways for Argentina to try to come out of this with a win is to try to make Spain foul early and often. Marc Cucurella’s aggression is a potential target, and with the need to keep Spain’s passing tempo at bay, it’s hard to do that without being fit early and often. Of course, there is a line for that as France have learned, conceding the first penalty from Lamine Yamal, but if Argentina can stay on that line, it will be a long day. — Chuck Booth

Yes: As they showed against England in the semi-finals, Argentina are likely to use a physical approach again, with Enzo Fernandez and Leandro Paredes expected to play a key role in that aspect. — Francesco Porzio

As Lamine Yamal tries to get the best, who is Spain’s key player?

Rodri: There was no certainty that Rodri would be so important to Spain’s success at the age of 30 and after an ACL injury that seemed to get the better of him for a long time. Rodri, however, provided a stark reminder of why he won the Ballon d’Or and has been the perfect metronome for a team that subtly takes opponents out of the game. In some ways he is a jack of all trades and master of all, key to Spain’s strategy of getting the ball, keeping it and making sure the opposition has no answer to that strategy. — Pardeep Catry

Rodri: Spain do not have many players who cannot be recalled to Luis de la Fuente’s squad, but Rodri could be one. He was the best passer in the World Cup while participating in all parts of the game. Their captain, Rodri, is the one who lays the groundwork and will be tasked with combining Messi and Enzo Fernandez. When Rodri takes control of the game, it’s curtains for Argentina. — Chuck Booth

Mikel Oyarzabal: He was the best player in this tournament, playing in an admirable way while recording five goals and one assist in seven World Cup matches. While Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are not at their best, Spain lack a proper number nine and Oyarzabal has delivered what Luis de la Fuente needed. — Francesco Porzio

What one under-the-radar player could be the difference?

Pedro Porro: The attacking-minded Spanish defender has featured on several occasions this summer, scoring two goals in his first World Cup, including one in Tuesday’s semi-final against France. He may come out on Sunday, too, providing another option in attack as he can make more runs in a possession-loving team. Pedro Porro’s determination to defend, will also be key if Argentina emphasize the wide areas and commit to attack as they did against England. — Pardeep Catry

Nico Williams: Argentina has struggled to protect young players in all competitions, and although Nico Williams was expected to be the starter for Spain coming to the World Cup, injuries prevented him from having the expected World Cup, but coming off the bench, this man from Athletic Club can completely change the balance. Just when Argentina are tired of needing to keep up with Spain, depth makes a big difference. — Chuck Booth

Alex Baena: He started in the tournament and is considered a key player for Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente. Baena might not be the first name that comes to mind, but he is the type of player who can produce big moments at the biggest stage. In a game as important as the World Cup final, his intelligence and work rate can be invaluable. — Francesco Porzio

Who wins and why?

Argentina: It looks like Argentina’s luck should soon run out, with all the games that have come and gone since the group stage providing a way out of the reigning champions’ run before being swept too far. The World Cup final offers one last chance to call time on an unusual but exciting run, Spain’s ability to suck the life out of a seemingly difficult opponent. One lesson from this world cup, however, seems to be to bet against Argentina at your own peril. They will probably find a mysterious way to survive Sunday and win an unprecedented second title. — Pardeep Catry

Spain: Argentina’s comeback has been great, but teams have had to make mistakes, and if you try to blame Spain instead of taking the game to them, you’ve already lost. It’s an interesting balance where Argentina are never at their best until they get back into the game, but against Spain’s defense, that won’t be good. — Chuck Booth

Argentina: Spain have a strong and complete team, but Argentina have had a different aura throughout this world cup. There is a sense that this team is set for another win after 2022, led by Lionel Messi, who will probably play in the last World Cup. The Argentine captain played well, scoring eight goals in seven games. — Francesco Porzio

Man of the Match?

Lionel Messi: Is this answer basic? Yes it is, but it will also be the right one. If Argentina wins the World Cup again, it will be because Messi pulled off one of his most inexplicable feats. — Pardeep Catry

Rodri: If Spain is going to win the World Cup, considering that they are not a team that will reach points, their captain will have to change a lot to keep Enzo Fernandez and Lionel Messi quiet. — Chuck Booth

Lionel Messi: Imagine you are playing the final match of the World Cup and winning it. Well, this is what I hope to witness on Sunday. — Francesco Porzio