World Cup Matches of The Day: Final

Posted on July 17, 2026July 17, 2026 | Posted by TABtouch

MONDAY

20 July 3:00am AWST
Spain v Argentina

New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey

After 103 matches, it all comes down to this. European champions Spain face defending world champions Argentina in a fitting finale between two nations chasing their own place in football history.

Spain are looking to lift the World Cup for the second time, while Argentina are attempting to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the title. It is a battle between Spain’s control and precision and Argentina’s ability to turn even the most chaotic match in their favour.

Spain’s tournament began with a shock 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, but Luis de la Fuente’s side have grown stronger with every round. They conceded their first and only goal of the tournament in a 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium before producing their most complete performance when it mattered most.

France entered the semi-final as favourites after an impressive run through the tournament, but Spain dominated the midfield and restricted one of the competition’s most dangerous attacks in a convincing 2-0 victory. Rodri and Fabián Ruiz controlled the contest, while Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo repeatedly caused problems further forward.

Spain’s strength is not limited to their headline names. Pedro Porro’s composed finish against France highlighted the number of different areas from which La Roja can threaten, while Mikel Oyarzabal continues to provide the decisive touch in front of goal.

Oyarzabal has scored five goals during Spain’s run to the final, including three in the knockout stages. The Real Sociedad forward also scored the winner in the Euro 2024 final and has once again emerged as a reliable big-game player on the international stage.

Argentina’s journey has been far less controlled, but no less effective. Lionel Scaloni’s side have repeatedly found themselves under pressure, only to deliver when the match appears to be slipping away.

Cape Verde forced Argentina into extra time in the Round of 32, Egypt pushed them throughout a dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 encounter and Switzerland remained in the quarter-final contest until a red card changed the momentum. England then came within five minutes of reaching the final before Argentina scored twice late to complete another remarkable escape.

Lionel Messi remains at the heart of everything Argentina do. The 39-year-old enters the final with eight goals and level with Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot. However, Argentina have also received crucial contributions from Lautaro Martínez and Enzo Fernández, who scored the goals that overturned England’s semi-final lead.

Lautaro’s winning header from Messi’s cross was Argentina’s defining moment of the tournament. It was another example of their ability to launch a late siege and produce something decisive when their backs are against the wall.

The midfield battle could determine which side lifts the trophy. Spain will look to dominate possession through Rodri and Ruiz, patiently moving Argentina around before finding Yamal or Olmo between the lines. Argentina are likely to crowd the middle of the pitch, disrupt Spain’s rhythm and create opportunities for quick combinations around Messi.

Spain showed against France how difficult they are to break down when they control the tempo, but Argentina have made a habit of dragging opponents into frantic finishes. La Roja cannot afford to switch off at any stage, particularly against a team that has repeatedly saved its best football for the closing minutes.

Spain have been the more convincing team across the tournament and possess the midfield quality to control long periods of the final. Argentina’s resilience and Messi’s ability to create a decisive moment should ensure the contest remains close, but Spain’s balance across the pitch may ultimately prove the difference.

VERDICT: Spain 2-1 Argentina

Same Game Multi: Spain to Win the Trophy, Lamine Yamal Over 0.5 Shots on Target & Mikel Oyarzabal Over 0.5 Shots on Target @ $2.60*

*Odds correct at the time of publication.

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