Best finishers, defensive kings & runners - World Cup finalists in numbers

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Sunday’s 2026 World Cup final will match defending champions Argentina against Spain, pairing the South American champions with the European champions. The statistical preview, published on 18 July 2026 by BBC Sport statistician Chris Collinson, notes a major contrast: Argentina have been the tournament’s most productive scorers with 19 goals, while Spain have scored 13 but have allowed only one.

According to BBC’s analysis, Argentina’s attack has been particularly efficient. They have outperformed their expected-goals total and have scored five times from outside the penalty area, while Spain have not scored from distance. Spain, by contrast, are described as finishing broadly in line with the quality of chances they have created, with 13 goals from an xG of 13.3.

The report highlights Spain’s defence as the standout unit of the tournament. BBC says Luis de la Fuente’s side have the lowest overall defensive expected-goals figure at the World Cup, at 2.1, despite reaching the final. Argentina have conceded seven goals, though the underlying numbers suggest their defence has limited chances better than the raw total indicates.

Work rate and style are also central to the comparison. Spain have run and sprinted more per 90 minutes and frequently regain possession high up the pitch, while Argentina have been outrun by every opponent but continued to win. BBC also points to Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal as key individual ball-carriers, saying the two forwards account for a large share of their teams’ dribble attempts before a final that brings together two contrasting but highly effective sides.