Argentina taking on Spain may not have been the final most people foresaw, yet it promises to be one of the most captivating showdowns possible.

The Argentina vs Spain clash will decide the winner of the 2026 World Cup, with both nations vying for football’s most coveted trophy.

Will Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates create history by lifting the cup for a second consecutive time, after years of the trophy eluding their captain?

Or will Spain, potentially setting a new record for the fewest goals conceded in a tournament—a record already held by their 2010 championship-winning squad—reclaim the crown?

When we say this final wasn’t the one most expected, that applies not only to early predictions but also to the way the tournament unfolded.

Throughout the competition across North America, both Argentina and Spain—particularly the South Americans—have experienced inconsistent spells, but they have consistently managed to raise their level when it mattered most.

Against France, Luis de la Fuente’s team entered the match as underdogs, yet produced a commanding and organised display, creating numerous opportunities and controlling proceedings.

Argentina, meanwhile, were fortunate to survive the round of 16 against Egypt, narrowly escaping elimination after an earlier scare versus Cape Verde.

That same pattern continued against Switzerland and England—the latter being widely tipped to win—where Argentina pushed the Swiss into extra time and mounted yet another comeback against the Three Lions.

On paper, Spain appear to boast the stronger squad. However, judging by their knockout performances, Argentina display a remarkable mental resilience that could prove decisive.

There’s also immense pressure on the Argentinians, as their talismanic captain Messi—whose influence defines the team—is almost certainly playing in his final World Cup.

Once Messi departs, Argentina will have to rebuild without their guiding star, leaving questions about when they might next challenge for global glory.

In contrast, Spain’s young sensation Lamine Yamal, though not at his best in this tournament after returning from injury, has most of his career ahead of him. Unlike Messi, Yamal is likely to represent his country in many future tournaments.

However, it has been 16 long years since Spain last lifted the World Cup trophy, following several disappointing campaigns as they struggled to rediscover the brilliance of their 2008–2012 golden era.

Argentina, as defending champions, have already confirmed their pedigree by returning to the final, while Spain arguably face greater pressure to deliver and end their long drought.

Spain’s defence has been exceptional, nullifying what many considered the tournament’s strongest attacking team in France. Yet Argentina’s forward line, even if less clinical on paper, remains relentless—and with Messi on the pitch, moments of genius are expected rather than surprising.

Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Rodri have all been outstanding for Spain, and Yamal seems poised for a breakout performance.

For Argentina, Messi continues to inspire, while Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and impact substitute Lautaro Martinez have all emerged as significant threats throughout the competition.

According to FourFourTwo, Argentina might once again rely on their luck, in what could be another thrilling, end-to-end contest reminiscent of the 2022 final.

Should Spain’s defensive wall eventually be breached—as it likely will—their attacking players will finally be forced to take initiative without the cushion of an early lead. That could spur Yamal into life, and though he may not replicate Kylian Mbappe’s extraordinary display in the 2022 World Cup final, he could establish himself as Messi’s rightful heir.

PREDICTION: Argentina 2-2 Spain

Argentina win on penalties (5-3)