Argentina vs Spain: Preview, key stats, line-ups and prediction

The stage is set for a historic showdown as Argentina and Spain face off in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on Sunday.

It is the first time in men's World Cup history that the reigning champions of Europe and South America will meet in the final. Spain are chasing only their second World Cup title, while Argentina are aiming to retain the trophy and become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.

With Lionel Messi looking to add another chapter to his remarkable career and Spain's talented young squad eager to make history, football fans can expect a thrilling contest on the biggest stage.

Argentina vs Spain Match Details

• Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

• Date: Sunday

• Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

• Kick-off: 8:00 PM (UK Time)

Argentina vs Spain Match Preview

Spain have been one of the standout teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026, impressing with their balance, tactical discipline and defensive strength.

Although teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has grabbed plenty of headlines with his exciting performances, Spain's defence has been the foundation of their success throughout the tournament.

After conceding their first World Cup goal in more than 649 minutes during the knockout stage against Belgium, Luis de la Fuente's side quickly bounced back with a superb 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals.

Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured Spain's place in the final, while another commanding defensive display highlighted why many consider La Roja the tournament favourites.

Spain have now won six consecutive matches and kept an incredible six clean sheets, setting a new record for the most clean sheets in a single men's World Cup.

READ MORE: Spain beat 10-man Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup 2026

The European champions are also unbeaten in 37 consecutive international matches since losing to Colombia in March 2024. Victory over Argentina would see Spain break the all-time record for the longest unbeaten run in senior men's international football.

Why Argentina Believes History Awaits

Argentina arrive in the final with history firmly within reach.

Lionel Scaloni's men have already lifted the 2021 Copa America, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and 2024 Copa America. Victory over Spain would make them the first nation ever to win four consecutive major international tournaments.

The defending champions secured their place in the final after fighting back to beat England in a dramatic semi-final.

England opened the scoring early, but Argentina responded brilliantly through the brilliance of Lionel Messi. The captain provided the assist for Enzo Fernandez's equaliser before substitute Lautaro Martinez netted the winner to send La Albiceleste into another World Cup final.

While Argentina have not been as defensively solid as Spain, they have been the most dangerous attacking side in the tournament.

The South Americans have scored a tournament-high 19 goals, finding the net at least twice in every match. Although they have gone five consecutive games without a clean sheet, their attacking quality has consistently made the difference.

Lionel Messi Chasing More World Cup History

Lionel Messi has once again proven why he is regarded as one of football's greatest players.

The Argentina captain has inspired his country throughout the tournament with crucial goals, assists and match-winning performances.

Another World Cup triumph would further strengthen his incredible legacy and help Argentina become only the third nation to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup after Italy (1938) and Brazil (1962).

Spain vs Argentina: Head-to-Head Record

Despite their rich football history, Spain and Argentina have faced each other only 14 times.

Head-to-Head

• Matches Played: 14

  READ MORE: Mbappe becomes FIFA World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer after breaking Messi's record

• Spain Wins: 6

• Argentina Wins: 6

• Draws: 2

The rivalry is perfectly balanced, although Spain claimed the most recent meeting with a memorable 6-1 victory in an international friendly in 2018.

Possible Line-ups

Spain Possible Starting XI

Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella; Rodri and Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Alex Baena; and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Argentina Possible Starting XI

Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.

Key Battle to Watch

The final could be decided in midfield.

Spain's trio of Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Olmo will look to dominate possession and control the tempo, while Argentina will rely on Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister to disrupt Spain's rhythm and launch quick attacks.

Another fascinating duel will see Spain's defence attempt to contain Lionel Messi, who has consistently delivered in the biggest matches throughout his career.

Argentina vs Spain Prediction

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final promises to be a clash between the tournament's best defence and its most dangerous attack.

Spain has looked more organised and defensively solid throughout the competition, but Argentina possesses unmatched experience in major finals. With Lionel Messi continuing to inspire the reigning champions and players like Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez capable of producing decisive moments, Argentina may have the slight edge.

Expect a tactical and closely contested final with moments of brilliance from both sides.

Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Spain