Spain vs. Argentina: World Cup Final Lineup Predictions

Charlie Zschau Published: Jul 19 2026 16:04

Argentina play Spain in the 2026 World Cup Finals on Tuesday, Sunday, July 19th at 3:00 PM ET.

Sixty years after their first World Cup meeting, Spain and Argentina are set to face off once again on the world's biggest stage.

Spain shut down the tournament favorites France on Tuesday to book their ticket ticket to Sunday's final in New York City, with Argentina joining them on Wednesday after yet another late comeback against England.

Spain were given a rude awakening in their opening match of the World Cup as they were held to a goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde, but the reigning European champions have grown into the tournament and have been nearly perfect since, built on their strong defensive foundations.

Argentina were pushed to extra time against Cape Verde, trailed by two goals against Egypt with 10 minutes to play, and were sent to extra time again by Switzerland.

In the semifinals against England, Argentina were again trailing in the 85th minute, but late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez (both assisted by Lionel Messi) turned the game upside down, and secured Argentina a fourth consecutive hard fought victory, and third come-from-behind win in four games.

Regardless of how they got here, both teams are now poised to write the final chapter of the 2026 World Cup story.

Spain's Predicted Lineup

Coach: Luis de la Fuente
Formation: 4-2-3-1

		ST Mikel Oyarzabel

LW Alex Baena		AM Dani Olmo		RW Lamine Yamal

	CM Fabián Ruiz		CM Rodri

LB Marc Cucurella				RB Pedro Porro
	CB Aymeric Laporte		CB Pau Cubarsi
		GK Unai Simon

Fabián Ruiz started alongside Rodri in the semifinals against France, but Pedri could take his place if Luis de la Fuente wants to dominate possession against Argentina. Ruiz's physical profile still makes him the more likely option in the midfield against a physical Argentinian side..

Álex Baena has been the main choice on the left wing so far in the tournament, and he will likely keep his starting role against Argentina. However, Nico Williams will be eager to make an impact from the bench and could be introduced as early as half-time if Baena is not effective against Nahuel Molina. Williams would likely have started every match of the tournament, but a muscle injury forced him to miss several games.

Argentina's Predicted Lineup

Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Formation: 4-1-2-1-2

	ST Julian Alvarez		ST Lionel Messi

		AM Enzo Fernandez
	LCM Alexis Mac Allister		RCM Rodrigo De Paul
		DM Leandro Paredes

LB Nicolas Tagliafico				RB Nahuel Molina
	CB Lisandro Martinez		CB Cristian Romero
		GK Emiliano Martinez

Argentina's veteran squad remains largely unchanged throughout the tournament. Lionel Messi starts up front, supported by four central midfielders and a consistent back four, all of whom were major contributors to the 2022 World Cup winning side.

The primary selection dilemma is whether Lautaro Martinez can displace Julian Alvarez in the starting lineup. Martinez started the first four matches, but Scaloni has opted for Alvarez alongside Messi in the last two games. Martinez has registered two goals and an assist in his last three substitute appearances, including the winning goal against England in the semifinals, proving to be an elite "super-sub".

Rodrigo De Paul was on the bench to start the semifinal, but Giuliano Simeone was not up to the task in attack meaning De Paul could retake the starting spot.