Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
World Cup final anticipation now centres on Spain and Argentina, who will decide the FIFA World Cup 2026 title at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19. Spain are chasing their second championship, while defending champions Argentina can become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to retain the men’s trophy.
The match also brings Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal together on a football pitch for the first time. Lionel Messi enters his second straight final after Argentina’s comeback against England, while Lamine Yamal reaches the decider after Spain controlled France in their semifinal.
For more coverage of Argentina’s semifinal celebrations, read about the banner that could bring FIFA action. Venue and scheduling details are available through the official FIFA World Cup final guide.
Spain Earn Majority Support
Six of the eight writers surveyed selected Spain to win the final, reflecting the authority with which Luis de la Fuente’s team reached the last match. Spain have conceded only one goal across seven games and arrive after shutting out France in a controlled semifinal performance.
Phil Hay summed up the mood: “Spain. They’re oozing confidence, almost as if they’ve known (or believed) for a while that they’re going to win the tournament.”
Spain’s strength is spread across the field. Rodri Hernández controls the tempo, Pau Cubarsí has played with unusual composure for a 19-year-old centre-back, and Unai Simón has rarely been required to make hurried decisions.
Argentina Carry a Different Threat
Argentina have survived repeated moments when elimination appeared close, giving Lionel Scaloni’s players a belief that cannot be measured through possession alone. Their comeback against England added another example of a team staying composed while the match around them became tense.
Lionel Messi remains the main reason two writers backed Argentina despite Spain’s stronger overall form. His movement between midfield and defence forces opponents to decide whether to follow him, hold their line or pass responsibility to another marker.
Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez supply the running around Lionel Messi’s passing and movement.
Golden Boot Race Remains Open
Lionel Messi leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists. Kylian Mbappé also has eight goals but trails by one assist, which would be used as the first tiebreak if their scoring totals remain level.
Kylian Mbappé can add to his tally when France meet England in the third-place match, while Lionel Messi has the final. Erling Haaland finished Norway’s campaign with seven goals, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane sitting on six before the bronze-medal game.
The panel leaned towards Lionel Messi, although several writers expect a more open third-place contest to create chances for Kylian Mbappé. Team selection could decide the award if France rest players after their semifinal defeat.
Lionel Messi Leads Golden Ball Voting
Lionel Messi was the clear choice for the Golden Ball after providing two assists against England. At 39, he has shaped Argentina’s campaign without being asked to press or cover ground like a younger forward.
Lionel Scaloni has managed that balance by keeping runners around his captain and allowing Lionel Messi to choose when to move towards the ball. The structure saves his energy for the moments when a pass, shot or change of direction can decide an attack.
Rodri Hernández is the strongest alternative if Spain win the final. Lamine Yamal has the profile, but his tournament has not matched Lionel Messi’s production or Rodri Hernández’s control.
Unai Simón Heads Golden Glove Race
Unai Simón is the leading Golden Glove candidate after conceding once in seven matches. Spain’s defensive record belongs to the entire team, but the goalkeeper has handled the few dangerous moments that have passed through their press.
His anticipation has been as important as his saves. Unai Simón regularly leaves his penalty area early, reducing the space available to forwards before they can shoot.
Pau Cubarsí Challenges Lamine Yamal
The young-player award presents a closer argument between two Spain teammates. Lamine Yamal is expected to receive strong support because of his attacking reputation, but several writers believe Pau Cubarsí has played the better tournament.
Pau Cubarsí has defended large spaces behind Spain’s midfield and passed cleanly through pressure. A decisive final contribution from Lamine Yamal could still settle the voting in his favour.
Sidny Lopes Cabral Leads Goal Vote
Sidny Lopes Cabral’s long-range equaliser for Cape Verde against Argentina was the most popular choice for goal of the tournament. The strike combined distance, technique and match context during one of the competition’s best underdog performances.
Other contenders include Pedro Porro’s semifinal goal against France, created by Dani Olmo, and Lionel Messi’s finish against Egypt. Julián Álvarez’s extra-time winner against Switzerland also carries weight because it sent Argentina into the semifinals.
Final Prediction
Spain deserve to begin as favourites because they defend collectively, keep the ball with purpose and do not rely on one attacker. Their ability to deny France space suggests they can limit Argentina’s transition opportunities as well.
Argentina, however, have Lionel Messi and a squad comfortable playing under extreme pressure. Spain are the majority selection, but Argentina’s repeated escapes make this World Cup final far less predictable than the form guide suggests.
