The Argentina vs Spain predicted lineup is the search every fan is chasing before Sunday’s showdown. Two continental kings meet at MetLife Stadium in the 2026 World Cup final. Lionel Scaloni’s defending champions face Luis de la Fuente’s European titleholders. Both coaches guard their teamsheets closely, yet the projected XIs are taking shape. This preview breaks down each side, the big selection calls, and the latest team news. It also answers the questions fans keep typing before kick-off. So here is how both giants are likely to line up.
What Is the Argentina vs Spain Predicted Lineup?
Argentina are expected to line up in a flexible 4-4-2 built around Messi, while Spain favour a possession-heavy 4-3-3. That is the short answer for anyone scanning quickly.
Argentina’s projected XI (per Sports Mole and Yahoo Sports): Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.
Spain’s projected XI (per Squawka and Sports Mole): Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
These are the current World Cup final 2026 lineups as reported two days out. Confirmed sheets arrive about an hour before kick-off.
When and Where Is the Argentina vs Spain World Cup Final?
The final kicks off on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kick-off is 3:00 p.m. ET, which is 8:00 p.m. UK time.
The venue is branded the New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament. It seats over 82,000 fans. Argentina arrive as defending champions from 2022. Spain chase their second world title and their first since 2010. This clash decides the crown of the expanded 48-team World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Argentina’s Predicted XI vs Spain
Fans searching how Argentina line up vs Spain should expect familiar faces with one or two tweaks. Scaloni keeps trusting his 2022 core, as our Argentina World Cup 2026 squad guide explains. The Argentina World Cup final lineup leans on experience, energy and Messi’s vision.
The Scaloni lineup vs Spain likely swaps Nahuel Molina for Gonzalo Montiel at right-back. Molina struggled against England’s wingers in the semi-final. Montiel, the man who scored the winning penalty in the 2022 final, offers a steadier option. Romero and Lisandro Martínez anchor the defence, with Tagliafico at left-back.
In midfield, Paredes sits deep. Enzo Fernández and Mac Allister drive forward. The Argentina vs Spain formation can shift from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 depending on Messi’s position. That flexibility is Scaloni’s trademark.
The Argentina Selection Dilemma: Álvarez or Lautaro vs Spain?
This is the call that defines the Argentina vs Spain starting XI up front. Julián Álvarez started the knockout rounds and offers relentless pressing. Lautaro Martínez, though, scored in the last two matches off the bench.
Scaloni must decide who partners Messi. Álvarez suits a high-tempo game against Spain’s build-up. Lautaro brings sharper penalty-box instincts. Many pundits expect Álvarez to keep his place, with Lautaro as the game-changing sub.
Another quiet debate is whether De Paul starts. Will De Paul start vs Spain? Scaloni surprised many by benching him against England. His energy in midfield still makes him the likely pick from the first whistle.
Spain’s Predicted XI vs Argentina
The Spain predicted XI vs Argentina looks close to settled, and our Spain World Cup 2026 squad guide shows why. De la Fuente has trusted a consistent group all tournament. Spain have conceded just one goal in seven matches, so change feels unlikely.
The De la Fuente lineup vs Argentina keeps Unai Simón in goal behind a back four of Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte and Cucurella. Rodri and Fabián Ruiz form the double pivot that shut down France. The Spain World Cup final lineup relies on control, patience and clinical finishing from Oyarzabal.
Up top, Lamine Yamal and Baena provide width, with Dani Olmo pulling the strings behind the striker. This shape suffocated France’s attack in the semi-final.
The Spain Selection Dilemma: Yamal Fitness and the Pedri Call
Two questions shape Spain’s decisions. First is Lamine Yamal fitness. The teenager limped off late against France after a heavy challenge. He trained away from the main group with strapping on his thigh.
The Spanish football federation quickly played down the scare. Reports from Marca and Reuters suggest the sessions were precautionary. So Yamal starting vs Argentina remains the strong expectation, barring a late setback.
Second is the midfield puzzle: Pedri or Fabián Ruiz vs Argentina? De la Fuente benched Pedri for the last two games. Fabián Ruiz repaid that faith with commanding displays. Expect Fabián to keep his spot, with Pedri a high-class option in reserve.
There is also the Nico Williams injury return World Cup final angle. Williams is fit again after a hamstring problem. Yet Baena’s form may keep the Athletic Club winger on the bench.
Injuries and Suspensions: The Latest Team News
No player is suspended for the final, but Spain carry two minor fitness concerns. That is the key point for anyone tracking Argentina vs Spain team news.
Yamal and Pedro Porro both followed managed recovery plans this week. Both are expected to start. Argentina, meanwhile, report a clean bill of health across their squad. Scaloni’s only doubts are tactical, not medical. Keep an eye on Saturday’s press conference for the final word.
Head-to-Head: Argentina vs Spain History
Argentina and Spain have met just once at a World Cup, back in 1966. Across all fixtures they have played 14 times, winning six each.
Their last meeting was a friendly in 2018, when Spain won 6-1 in Madrid. Sunday, though, marks their first-ever clash for a major senior trophy, as this 2026 World Cup Final record shows. It also revives a rivalry that the cancelled 2026 Finalissima never got to stage. For more context, browse our previous World Cup finals history hub.
Key Facts and Figures
Here are the numbers driving the buildup (full stats on FBref):
- Messi leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and holds the all-time World Cup goals record with 21.
- Oyarzabal has five goals and is now Spain’s all-time top World Cup scorer.
- Spain conceded only one goal across seven matches this tournament.
- Argentina could become just the third nation to retain the World Cup, after Italy and Brazil.
- Argentina survived extra time twice and two comebacks to reach the final.
Helpful Tip: Catch the Confirmed Lineups Early
Want the Argentina vs Spain confirmed lineup before kick-off? Official teamsheets drop roughly 60 minutes before the whistle.
Bookmark this page and refresh close to kick-off. We update the projected XIs the moment the real Argentina vs Spain lineup World Cup final sheets land. That way you get the news before it clogs your social feed.
Set a reminder for 2:00 p.m. ET and check back for the confirmed XIs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Lionel Messi start in the World Cup final?
Yes, Messi is certain to start and captain Argentina. At 39, he leads the tournament’s scoring charts. His creativity remains central to Scaloni’s plan against Spain.
What is the Spain vs Argentina predicted lineup?
Spain are tipped to name an unchanged 4-3-3 with Yamal, Olmo and Oyarzabal in attack. De la Fuente rarely tinkers with a winning side.
What is the Argentina predicted XI vs Spain?
Argentina should field Emi Martínez in goal, a Messi-Álvarez front line, and Montiel at right-back. The core mirrors the 2022 winners.
Will Julián Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez start up front?
Álvarez is favoured to start, with Lautaro Martínez a likely impact substitute. Both remain in strong form entering the final.
Is Lamine Yamal fit to start the final?
Yes, Yamal is expected to start despite a minor thigh scare. Spain’s federation called his lighter training purely precautionary.
Can Argentina become back-to-back World Cup champions?
Yes, a win would make Argentina the first repeat champions since Brazil in 1962. Only Italy and Brazil have ever retained the trophy.
Final Whistle
The Argentina vs Spain predicted lineup points to a classic clash of styles on Sunday. Argentina blend grit, experience and Messi’s magic. Spain counter with control, youth and ruthless finishing. Both coaches will fine-tune their Argentina vs Spain lineup right up to kick-off. Selection calls over Álvarez, Yamal and the Spanish midfield could swing the whole final. So bookmark this preview, share it with fellow fans, and check back for the confirmed teamsheets. The 2026 World Cup crown is one lineup decision away from being decided.