Spain vs Argentina — Predicted Lineups & Prediction
Spain 1 - 0 (AET) Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026 (Final). Full-time result, predicted and confirmed lineups, formations (4-4-2 vs 4-3-3), key players including Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal and Julián Álvarez and Lionel Messi, and match analysis — updated on FootballDream.
Road to the Final
- Spain reached the Final by beating France 0 - 2 in the Semi-Final.
- Argentina reached the Final by beating England 1 - 2 in the Semi-Final.
Head-to-Head Record
Spain lead the all-time head-to-head 4 wins to 3, with 1 draw, from 8 meetings since 1966. The two sides have split their last four friendlies, with Spain winning the most recent one 6-1 in March 2018.
- 27/03/2018 — Spain 6–1 Argentina (Friendly, Madrid)
- 07/09/2010 — Argentina 4–1 Spain (Friendly, Buenos Aires)
- 14/11/2009 — Spain 2–1 Argentina (Friendly, Madrid)
- 11/10/2006 — Spain 2–1 Argentina (Friendly, Murcia)
- 17/11/1999 — Spain 0–2 Argentina (Friendly, Seville)
All-time record covers full official internationals (RSSSF / national federation archives).
History & Trivia
Spain and Argentina have met only once before at a World Cup — Argentina won 2-1 in the 1966 group stage, with two goals from Luis Artime. That's the only previous meeting between these two nations at the tournament: this Final is just their second-ever World Cup match, and the first time they've faced each other on the sport's biggest stage.
Argentina are chasing a fourth star, having won the World Cup in 2022 (beating France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 thriller), 1986, and 1978. Spain have won it once, in 2010, beating the Netherlands 1-0 on an extra-time strike from Andrés Iniesta — their only previous World Cup Final appearance.
Spain vs Argentina Confirmed Starting XI
Confirmed starting XIs from official team sheets. Updated automatically when lineups are announced.
Spain vs Argentina Prediction
Spain and Argentina look closely matched, and this should be a finely poised contest. Spain's biggest threat runs through Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal, while Argentina will pin their hopes on Julián Álvarez and Lionel Messi. It is the final — win or go home. The match is staged at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford. The predicted XIs reflect current form and squad news; official lineups are confirmed about an hour before kick-off. Make your own call — predict the result, exact score and goalscorers on FootballDream before kick-off.
Tactical matchup
Spain line up in a 4-4-2, Argentina in a 4-3-3. With little between the sides, control of the central zones and second balls should decide territory. The midfield — Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo against Leandro Paredes and Alexis Mac Allister — is where the game is likely won. In a knockout tie the first goal and set pieces carry outsized weight, with caution often trumping early ambition.
Key players to watch
- Spain: Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Fabián Ruiz — 4-4-2 formation
- Argentina: Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Giuliano Simeone — 4-3-3 formation
Call the result, exact score and goalscorers before kick-off — or pick your Fantasy XI for this match. Create a private league and play with friends.