World Cup final: Spain vs Argentina – Which team has best chance to win?

What the report says

Al Jazeera’s Kevin Hand previewed the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, published on July 18, as a meeting of two heavyweight sides: Spain, the European champions and FIFA’s top-ranked team, against Argentina, the reigning world and South American champions. The expanded 48-team tournament has reached its final match with Argentina seeking to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.

The report presents Argentina as a side still built around Lionel Messi, now 39, who has eight goals and is positioned as the tournament’s likely Golden Boot winner. Al Jazeera notes that Argentina have won 14 straight matches since a qualifying defeat in Ecuador, but their knockout run has been demanding, including extra-time wins and comeback victories against Egypt and England. The piece identifies Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Paredes as crucial midfield protection, while warning that Argentina’s heavy dependence on Messi could be a vulnerability.

Spain’s case rests on control, organisation and defensive strength. Al Jazeera reports that they have conceded only once in the tournament and are unbeaten in 37 matches, with their last competitive loss coming in March 2023. Rodri and Fabian Ruiz are highlighted as central to Spain’s possession game, while Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are described as attacking talents who have not yet fully shaped this World Cup.

The final matters because it pits contrasting strengths against each other: Argentina’s Messi-led resilience and Spain’s structured, possession-based approach. Al Jazeera frames the match as a fitting climax, with both teams carrying elite recent records but also clear tactical questions.