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The final match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been set. Argentina engineered another incredible comeback on Wednesday to move past England and join Spain in Sunday’s final.
The Three Lions had struck first, but Enzo Fernández delivered the equalizer with just five minutes remaining in regulation time. Lautaro Martinez then delivered a header off a cross from Lionel Messi in stoppage time to provide the decisive goal and a 2-1 victory.
As La Albiceleste has done so often during this tournament, it remained resilient and simply found what it needed late. Thanks to their latest magical finish, the Argentinians are entering their second-straight World Cup final and their third in the last four tournaments.
If Argentina is to repeat as tournament champion, though, it’ll have to figure out a Spanish defense that has been nearly impregnable since the tournament began.
Remaining World Cup Schedule
Time:Saturday, July 18 at 5 p.m. ET
Money Line: France -184 (bet $184 to win $100), England +148 (bet $100 to win $148)
Time:Sunday, July 19 at 3 p.m. ET
Venue:New York/New Jersey Stadium
Money Line:Spain -154, Argentina +136
TV and Live Stream for Remaining Games:Fox, Telemundo, Fox One
Argentina vs. Spain
Jean Catuffe/
Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain
Money Line:Spain -154, Argentina +136
Odds to Win in Extra Time:Spain +1100, Argentina +1600
Odds to Win on PKs: Spain +700, Argentina +700
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over +106, Under -130
Argentina is looking to become the first nation to successfully defend its World Cup title since Brazil did it back in 1962. Winning back-to-back tournaments is a rarity, as evidenced by the fact that only Brazil (1958, 1962) and Italy (1934, 1938) have accomplished the feat.
However, if there’s a squad capable of beating the odds, it’s this Argentinian team. La Albiceleste has appeared dead in the water on several occasions—none more dire than its late 0-2 deficit against Egypt—and has managed to rally back each time.
Messi’s brilliance has played a huge role in Argentina’s ability to overcome. He has already delivered eight goals and four assists—including Wednesday’s critical game-winner.
While coach Lionel Scaloni has geared Argentina’s offense to highlight Messi, though, he’s far from the only threat. Six other players have scored for La Albiceleste—seven if you count Cabo Verde’s own goal—and Scaloni has crafted creative plans of attack.
Argentina’s 4-4-2 approach has helped solidify the backline while allowing for offensive opportunities outside of the box.
In short, Argentina is well-equipped to play the long game, surge late, and strike from seemingly nowhere.
However, Argentina will face its most daunting challenge against Spain. With a terrific backline, a stellar keeper in Unai Simón, and a ferocious all-around defense, La Roja has conceded just a single goal at this year’s World Cup .
Against France in the semifinal round, Spain also relied on precision passing and ball-control to shut down an explosive offense led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and Michael Olise.
“The logic is simple: if you do not have the ball, you cannot inflict the damage you want to,” The Athletic’s Mark Carey wrote of Spain’s strategy.
While La Roja hasn’t been as explosive offensively as some other teams have, its attack has been efficient when it has needed to be. Mikel Oyarzabal leads the Spanish scoring with five of 13 goals.
And while some fans might not find Spain’s style of play particularly entertaining, it’s been effective. La Roja is on a 37-game unbeaten streak that has matched Italy’s 2018-2021 run in terms of length.
The prediction here is that Spain overcomes a late surge by Argentina to break Italy’s record, along with the hearts of fans hoping to see a repeat champion.
Prediction: Spain 2-1 Argentina
Early Guide for Argentina-Spain
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