Spain And Argentina Battle For Glory
Spain and Argentina meet at MetLife Stadium on Sunday evening with the biggest prize in world football at stake. The European champions are chasing only a second win in the tournament, while Argentina have the opportunity to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy. Let’s take a closer look at Sunday’s big match!
Match Preview
Sunday’s final brings together two sides that have reached the showpiece in contrasting fashion.
Spain have built their campaign on defensive excellence. After recovering from an early setback against Cape Verde in the group stage, Luis de la Fuente’s side have become almost impossible to break down, conceding just once throughout the knockout rounds while repeatedly controlling matches through possession and intelligent positioning.
The semi-final against France perhaps summed them up best. Faced with one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks, Spain limited Les Bleus to almost nothing in front of goal before securing a deserved 2-0 victory. It was another performance highlighting the balance between defensive discipline and technical quality that has defined their rise over the past two years.
Their unbeaten run now stretches to 37 matches, while another victory would secure both a the biggest title in football and a place in sports history.
Argentina’s journey has been rather different. The holders have repeatedly found themselves under pressure during the knockout rounds but continue to respond whenever elimination appears close.
Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England all tested Lionel Scaloni’s side, yet Argentina survived every challenge through a combination of experience, resilience and attacking brilliance.
The world champions have now scored 19 goals during the tournament, finding the net at least twice in every match despite keeping only two clean sheets.
Lionel Messi remains central to everything Argentina do, but the supporting cast has consistently delivered when required. Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez have all played decisive roles as La Albiceleste moved within one victory of back-to-back triumphs.
The contrast between Spain’s defensive structure and Argentina’s attacking firepower makes this one of the most fascinating finals in recent memory.
Team News
Spain are expected to keep faith with the side that defeated France. Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro both trained separately after the semi-final, but neither issue is expected to prevent them from starting.
Fabian Ruiz and Rodri should continue together in midfield, leaving Pedri among the substitutes once again.
Argentina also have a fully fit squad available. Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes recovered from minor fitness concerns to feature against England and are expected to retain their places.
Scaloni could make changes in the wide areas, with Rodrigo De Paul and Gonzalo Montiel both pushing for recalls.
Julian Alvarez is expected to partner Messi in attack despite Lautaro Martinez scoring the winner in the semi-final.
Odds and Tips
Argentina possess the tournament’s most prolific attack, but Spain have consistently shown they know how to control elite opponents.
If La Roja impose their usual rhythm and avoid allowing Argentina space in transition, they have every chance of lifting the trophy.
Tip: Spain to win at 2.32.
Don’t forget that we also have Early Payout on this match, which you can read more about here.
Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last Updated: 19.07.2026
