The 2026 FIFA World Cup has arrived at its climax, with only two teams vying for the title of world champions.
Over the past month, 46 teams have been eliminated, including co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as well as traditional football powerhouses Brazil and Germany.
Currently, reigning world champions Argentina and European champions Spain are set to compete for the coveted trophy in the final, scheduled to take place in New Jersey on Sunday.
As we reflect on the tournament, key questions arise: What led us to this moment? Which players have truly shone, and what unforgettable moments have transpired?
ESPN’s Mark Ogden provides insights into these queries, while Sam Tye evaluates the final matchup. Additionally, our dedicated writers, who have covered the tournament from its onset, share their predictions for the winner along with the latest betting odds from DK Sports.
Spain vs. Argentina (Sunday, 3:00 PM ET | East Rutherford, NJ)
Spain
Spain has navigated an underwhelming tournament, starting with a surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde. Despite this shaky beginning, the team has steadily improved, conceding just one goal throughout the competition—a 2-1 victory against Belgium in the quarter-finals. Defying expectations, they further demonstrated their prowess with a 2-0 semifinal triumph over France in Dallas, showcasing the potential of the Euro 2024 champions.
Star player Mikel Oyarzabal has been pivotal for Spain, netting five goals on their journey to the final. Known for his decisive finishing, the Real Sociedad forward not only scored the winner against England in the Euro finals but also contributed significantly in this World Cup with three crucial goals. Oyarzabal may not have the same star power as some teammates, but his contributions have been indispensable.
One standout moment for the team was Pedro Polo’s composed goal against France, which not only secured their advancement but also illustrated the depth of Spain’s attacking capabilities, demonstrating that their threat comes from all positions on the pitch.
Argentina
Argentina’s journey to the finals has been rife with challenges. Initially, they sidestepped top-ranking teams, avoiding anyone in the FIFA top 15 until facing fourth-ranked England in the semifinals. However, their road was far from smooth; Cape Verde forced them into extra time before a narrow 3-2 victory in the round of 32. Claims of unjust VAR decisions were voiced after their tense 3-2 win over Egypt in the round of 16, and they faced several hurdles in the quarter-finals against Switzerland. Despite being down in their semifinal against England, Argentina rallied with two late goals, showcasing their tenacity.
Leading the charge is Lionel Messi, whose brilliance helped secure Argentina’s triumph in Qatar 2022. Despite initial doubts about his fitness for this tournament, Messi has played a crucial role, tying with Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals. Support from teammates like Lautaro Martinez and Enzo Fernandes—who have both scored key goals—has solidified Argentina’s performance.
A pivotal moment for Argentina was Lautaro’s winning header from a Messi cross in the semifinals against England, a goal that defined the World Cup for La Albiceleste and marked a high point in Lautaro’s career.
Match Outlook
The essence of the World Cup lies in the clash of diverse soccer styles, making the matchup between Spain and Argentina a fitting finale. It embodies the contest between Spain’s tactical precision and Argentina’s aggressive play.
Spain’s impressive semi-final performance against France, where they dominated the midfield through players like Fabian Ruiz and Rodri, left little room for their opponents to thrive. The efficiency of Spain’s playmaking exposed weaknesses in the French setup, suggesting they could have a similar effect on Argentina.
Argentina, however, will likely intensify their midfield presence to complement Messi’s playmaking. Their strategy often involves disrupting the flow of play through calculated fouls, raising the question: Can Spain maintain their composure throughout the match?
The stakes are high for both teams, especially given Argentina’s propensity for late-game surges, evidenced by their previous come-from-behind victories. With the final looming, the anticipation is palpable as fans eagerly await Messi’s potential heroics.
Predictions
Predictions for the final vary among analysts. Some anticipate a tightly contested match. Becherano forecasts a narrow victory for Argentina, highlighting their knack for strategic wins. Conversely, Carlisle believes Spain’s superior tactical skills will ensure their success, while Lindop posits that Spain’s well-rehearsed possession game will prove too challenging for Argentina. As the clock ticks down, the possibility of a historic match continues to build, making the final one of the most eagerly awaited encounters.
Betting Odds
According to DK Sports, the odds are as follows: Spain is favored at +115, while Argentina stands at +285. A draw after 90 minutes is set at +200.
