Argentina vs Spain 2026 Final Guide: Kickoff Time, Predictions, and Betting Lines
By Alexander Ross
Both managers enter Sunday with relatively clean bills of health, having avoided red cards in the semifinals. The projected starting XIs reflect tactical continuity from both coaching staffs.
Spain Starting XI (4-3-3):
Unai Simón; Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Álvaro Morata, Nico Williams.
Argentina Starting XI (4-4-2):
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolás González; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.
Scaloni could consider bringing Lisandro Martínez into a back three if Spain's wide forwards pin his full-backs deep during the first 20 minutes. De la Fuente has shown minimal desire to alter his shape, relying instead on Mikel Merino and Ferran Torres off the bench to maintain intensity in the second half.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
