Spain vs Argentina: Everything to Know Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
Lamine Yamal-Lionel Messi
By Reporter
Spain and Argentina will battle for football’s biggest prize on Sunday in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at New York–New Jersey Stadium, with two generations of stars taking centre stage.
Defending champions Argentina, led by 39-year-old Lionel Messi, face a youthful Spain side inspired by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated encounters.
The final pits the competition’s most prolific attack against its stingiest defence. Argentina have scored a tournament-high 19 goals, while Spain have conceded just once on their road to the final.
It also marks the first World Cup final in 60 years to feature the reigning champions of South America and Europe.
According to the Opta supercomputer, Spain are favourites to lift the trophy with a 59.46% chance of victory, while Argentina have a 40.54% probability of successfully defending the title they won in 2022.
The final will be played at MetLife Stadium, temporarily renamed New York–New Jersey Stadium for the World Cup.
Home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, the 82,500-capacity venue opened in 2010 and has already hosted both semifinals and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final.
Overall MMeetings
- Spain wins: 6
- Argentina wins: 6
- Draws: 4
Last FFive Meetings (Friendless)
- Spain 6-1 Argentina (2018)
- Argentina 4-1 Spain (2010)
- Spain 2-1 Argentina (2009)
- Spain 2-1 Argentina (2006)
- Argentina 2-0 Spain (1999)
Previous World Cup Meeting
The two nations have met only once at the FIFA World Cup. Argentina defeated Spain 2-1 during the group stage of the 1966 tournament in England.
Trophy History
Spain won their only FIFA World Cup title in 2010.
Argentina are three-time world champions, having lifted the trophy in 1978, 1986 and 2022.
On the continental stage, Spain are four-time UEFA European champions, while Argentina have won the Copa América a record 16 times.
Players tto Watch
Spain
Mikel Oyarzabal leads Spain’s scoring charts with five goals, while midfield anchor Rodri has dictated play with a tournament-leading 648 completed passes.
Although Lamine Yamal has yet to hit top form after returning from injury, the 19-year-old remains one of Spain’s biggest attacking threats.
Argentina
Lionel Messi has once again been Argentina’s driving force, contributing eight goals and four assists. His performances have made him the leading contender for the Golden Boot as he aims to guide La Albiceleste to back-to-back World Cup titles.
What TThey Said
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente expects an entertaining contest, saying both teams will rely on quality and attacking football.
Captain Rodri praised his team’s journey to the final but stressed that Spain’s ambition is to finish the job by lifting the trophy.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni hailed Messi’s remarkable impact, describing the 39-year-old as the greatest player in football history and praising his extraordinary run to another World Cup final.
