Spain vs Argentina FIFA World Cup final: Team news, prediction and lineups

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that Spain and Argentina will meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday at 3pm local time in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with kickoff listed at 19:00 GMT. The match is being staged at New York-New Jersey Stadium, known as MetLife Stadium, and is framed as a meeting of the world’s top two teams: reigning world champions Argentina against European champions Spain.

The report highlights Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal as the central figures in the buildup. Messi, at 39, is set to become the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup final, according to Al Jazeera, and could lead Argentina to a rare successful title defence. Argentina would join Italy and Brazil as the only teams to win consecutive men’s World Cups if they retain the trophy. Spain, meanwhile, are seeking their first world title since 2010 and have been portrayed as a collective, possession-based side led by players including Rodri, Yamal, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Both teams reached the final after strong campaigns. Spain topped Group H, then beat Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France, conceding just once and keeping six clean sheets. Argentina won Group J and advanced through several tense knockout matches, including extra-time wins over Cape Verde and Switzerland, before a late semifinal comeback against England.

Al Jazeera cited Opta’s model as favoring Spain: 45 percent to win in normal time, 26 percent for Argentina, and 29 percent for extra time or penalties. Overall tournament-winning probabilities were listed at 59.56 percent for Spain and 40.44 percent for Argentina. Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic is scheduled to officiate.