Spain vs Argentina possible lineups: Opta favours Spain in the final

The stage is finally set. Spain and Argentina will battle for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title after producing two contrasting but equally impressive runs to the final. Spain booked their place by defeating France 2-0, while defending champions Argentina edged England 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final. With the biggest prize in world football on the line, both Luis de la Fuente and Lionel Scaloni are expected to trust the players who have carried them through the tournament. While there could still be a late tactical surprise, here are the most likely starting XIs for Sunday’s blockbuster final. Spain predicted lineup vs Argentina (4-3-3 holding) Goalkeeper: Unai Simón Defenders: Pedro Porro, Robin Le Normand, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella Midfielders: Martín Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Mikel Oyarzabal Spain have looked like the tournament’s most balanced side. Their defensive structure has been exceptional, conceding only once throughout the World Cup, while their attack has consistently found different match winners. Pedri and Fabián Ruiz are expected to dictate possession in midfield, allowing Zubimendi to shield the defence. Out wide, the electric partnership of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams has been Spain’s biggest attacking weapon, stretching defences with pace, movement and creativity. At the back, Cubarsí and Le Normand have developed into one of the strongest centre-back pairings of the tournament, while Cucurella’s attacking overlaps could prove crucial against Argentina’s compact defensive setup. Spain vs Argentina predicted lineup | Representational Image Argentina’s predicted lineup vs Spain (4-4-2) Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico Midfielders: Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Giuliano Simeone Forwards: Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez Argentina are unlikely to make major changes after overcoming England in the semi-final. Scaloni has consistently rewarded continuity throughout the tournament, and the same core group is expected to start the final. Emiliano Martínez remains one of the tournament’s safest goalkeepers, while Romero and Lisandro Martínez provide aggression and composure in central defence. In midfield, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister will look to match Spain’s technical quality, with Leandro Paredes offering defensive stability. Up front, Julián Álvarez’s relentless pressing and intelligent movement complement Lionel Messi’s playmaking, while Giuliano Simeone provides pace and direct running on the right flank. Biggest selection calls Spain’s starting XI appears largely settled after their convincing victory over France. The only debate could be whether Luis de la Fuente opts for extra midfield control or sticks with his preferred attacking trio. Argentina also enter the final with few selection dilemmas. Scaloni has trusted the same spine throughout the knockout rounds, making it unlikely that he will gamble with significant changes before the biggest game of the tournament. Also Read | Thomas Tuchel’s late tactical gamble backfires as Argentina knock England out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Key battles to watch One of the headline matchups will be Lamine Yamal against Nicolás Tagliafico, with Spain’s teenage sensation looking to exploit the left side of Argentina’s defence. Equally fascinating will be the midfield contest between Pedri and Enzo Fernández, two players capable of controlling the rhythm of the game. Glory has one final destination. Spain vs Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Final on FOX. pic.twitter.com/0FeG3CoCOK— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 15, 2026 Then, of course, comes the biggest storyline of all—Lionel Messi chasing another World Cup crown against Spain’s disciplined back line, led by Pau Cubarsí and Robin Le Normand. It is experience versus youth, control versus resilience, and arguably the defining contest of the final. About the FIFA World Cup final halftime The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a historic, Super Bowl-style halftime show on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium (20 July in India). The 11-minute performance will headline major global music stars, extending the typical halftime interval to 30 minutes to allow for stage setup and removal. 🚨 BREAKING: FIFA will break football laws at the World Cup final on Sunday. The half-time break will last up to 30 minutes to accommodate the half-time show. — @martynziegler pic.twitter.com/pW5LaI3PQo— The Touchline | T (@TouchlineX) July 14, 2026 The star-studded lineup for the halftime of FIFA World Cup final awaits performances of Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber. Coldplay’s Chris Martin will curate the show. Along with this, there will be special performances from Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS 22 featuring Coldplay. Also Read | Harry Kane hails Lionel Messi after England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina Entertainers such as Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger are expected to feature. What is the prediction for Spain vs Argentina? Opta’s supercomputer has calculated a 45.1 per cent probability of Spain winning the final in regulation time, while Argentina are assessed a 29.4 per cent chance of victory. The probability of going to extra time – or potentially penalties – is 25.4 percent. OPTA Prediction for Spain vs Argentina FIFA World Cup final | Representational Image Where to watch the World Cup 2026 final? In India, the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain can be streamed live on the ZEE5 app or viewed on television via DD Sports. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 AM IST on July 20. Meanwhile, Airtel customers can watch the FIFA World Cup Final live by adding the Unite8 Sports channel pack for just ₹24 a month on eligible TV and DTH plans. The match will be broadcast in both English and Hindi. FAQs What are the predicted lineups for Spain vs Argentina in the World Cup final? Spain and Argentina are expected to stick with their strongest XIs, featuring stars like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Lionel Messi, and Julián Álvarez. Who is the favourite to win the Spain vs Argentina World Cup final? According to Opta’s supercomputer, Spain are slight favourites with a 45.1% chance of winning in regulation time, while Argentina have a 29.4% probability.