The 2026 will come to a close on Sunday night as Spain and Argentina prepare to face off at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
After being frustrated by minnows Cape Verde in their opener, La Roja have enjoyed an impressive run to the final - conceding just one goal in their seven games so far.
A 2-0 win over pre-tournament favourites France in Tuesday's semi-final is arguably the magnum opus of Luis de la Fuente's time in charge of his country.
Spain outclassed one of the most talent-rich teams ever seen at the tournament, and refused to take their foot off the accelerator after taking the lead - ultimately advancing to just the second World Cup final in the country's history.
Argentina on the other hand have flattered to deceive at times since progressing to the knockout stages as Group J winners.
However, the reigning champions have proven time and again that they have the mentality to overcome adversity and claim victory, as evidenced in their semi-final triumph over England.
With the final fast approaching, we've taken a look at putting together a combined XI of the two teams.
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GK - Unai Simon
It is a testament to just how highly that Unai Simon is rated by his manager that the 29-year-old has remained Spain's No 1 despite the impressive club form of Arsenal's David Raya.
Retaining his first-choice status at the 2026 World Cup, the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper also sees off Argentina's Emi Martinez for a place in this XI.
Simon has repaid his manager's faith in him with a number of excellent performances throughout the tournament, and set a record this summer for the longest spell without conceding in World Cup history.
RB - Pedro Porro
Though his club form last season could be charitably described as inconsistent, Pedro Porro has been excellent for Spain throughout this summer's tournament and earns a place in this team ahead of Nahuel Molina.
In addition to his defensive duties the Tottenham full-back has developed an eye for goal in recent games, with his strikes against Austria and France representing his first-ever goals for his country.
CB - Pau Cubarsi
With just 12 senior international caps to his name prior to the tournament you would be forgiven for thinking that Pau Curbasi could be overwhelmed representing his country in such a massive occasion.
However, the Barcelona defender has consistently demonstrated composure beyond his years as part of Spain's near impregnable back line in their run to the final.
Curbasi has been ever present thus far, and narrowly edges the equally impressive Cristian Romero for a place in this XI.
CB - Aymeric Laporte
When Aymeric Laporte departed Manchester City to become one of the highest-profile departees to the burgeoning Saudi Pro League in 2023 there were fears it would have negative consequences for his international career.
However, the 32-year-old has retained his place in the heart of defence and was crucial in Spain's European Championship triumph in 2024 and remained a key part of Luis de la Fuente's side this summer.
His experience and ability on the ball have been crucial to Spain's success thus far, and he deserves a place in this team over Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez.
LB - Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella made headlines on the eve of the World Cup by completing a £52million move to Real Madrid from Chelsea and he has more than justified that price tag with his performances for Spain.
Assists against Saudi Arabia and Austria demonstrated his abilities going forward but where Cucurella has really thrived is in his defensive duties.
Against France the full-back produced a talismanic performance to deny Kylian Mbappe from operating at his devastating best and Spain will be hoping he can maintain that level to prevent Argentina's attacking prowess on Sunday night.
CM - Rodri
With the space of a month less than two years ago Rodri became the first Spanish footballer in more than 60 years to win the Ballon d'Or and suffered a season-ending injury.
The road to recovery has been an arduous one for the Manchester City star, and while he struggled to replicate his best form at club level last season he has been vital for Spain in North America on their route to the final.
One of the standout performers in a team absolutely brimming with talent, Rodri has offered a timely reminder of just how game-changing he can be this summer and there can be no denying him a spot on this list.
CM - Enzo Fernandez
The very best players in the world are able to step up when the lights shine brightest and that has certainly been true of Enzo Fernandez's performances for La Albiceleste at the World Cup.
After announcing himself on the international stage by playing in every game of Argentina's World Cup triumph in 2022, the midfielder has again been instrumental this summer.
Fernandez netted the winner to complete Argentina's comeback against Egypt in the round of 16, and his long-range equaliser on Wednesday night set the wheels in motion to break English hearts and cement his place in the combined team.
CM - Dani Olmo
Though he started just one of Spain's group games at the this tournament, Dani Olmo has grown in confidence and momentum as La Roja surged through the knockout rounds.
His link-up play with both Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal has been nothing short of exceptional, and represent a return to form for a player whose domestic campaign was disrupted by injuries.
Like Cucurella, Olmo cemented his place in this XI with a supreme performance against France, pulling the strings at the Dallas Stadium and producing the assist for Pedro Porro's goal that put the result beyond doubt.
LW - Lionel Messi
Even after celebrating his 39th birthday during this tournament, Lionel Messi continues to add yet more evidence to the argument that he is unrivalled in the debate of the greatest footballer player ever to grace the pitch.
Where his contemporaries have struggled to adapt to the physical limitations initiated by the aging process, Messi has retained his game-changing effectiveness by becoming even more adept at picking his moments and seizing opportunities whenever they arise.
Should he manage to get Argentina over the line this weekend it would be hard to argue that even the great Maradona can compare to the seemingly unending genius of the Inter Miami man.
ST - Mikel Oyarzabal
Based on club form and reputation within the game, Julian Alvarez has a strong argument that he deserves to lead the line for a combined Spain and Argentina XI.
Based on performances throughout the tournament and their roles within their respective teams however, Mikel Oyarzabal has more than earned his place.
Spain's style of play requires a level of poise that few strikers would be able to adapt to, but Oyarzabal has done exactly that, netting five goals and producing an assist from his seven appearances.
RW - Lamine Yamal
If this tournament has proven that Lionel Messi remains uncontested as the king of football, then Lamine Yamal has made a strong case to be the Argentine's heir apparent.
While his output has not been prolific in the USA, Canada and Mexico, Yamal's quality and composure have been remarkable throughout and he has proven a constant threat on the right flank.
Should he manage to avoid the kind of injuries that have curtailed the careers so many promising talents of times past, the 19-year-old has all the ability to enshrine himself as one of Spain's greatest ever footballing sons.
