East Rutherford prepares for World Cup final betwe...

By Rohan Gupta — 18 July 2026 — 3 min read

Anticipation builds for World Cup final clash

The World Cup final is set to feature Argentina, the defending champions, against Spain. This highly anticipated match will bring together Lionel Messi and a Spanish squad that has maintained an unbeaten streak of 37 consecutive matches since early 2024. The final is scheduled for Sunday, marking a significant event in international football.

Spain aims for its second World Cup title, following its victory in 2010, seeking to solidify its position as a dominant force in the sport. For Argentina, the match presents an opportunity to become the first team to win back-to-back men’s World Cup titles since Brazil achieved the feat in 1958 and 1962. This final is also seen as a potential culmination for Messi’s international career, as he has suggested this will be his final run with the national team.

Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s coach, expressed his anticipation for the final, describing it as a “great show” between “two superteams” that share similarities in attitude and player talent. He believes it will be an “amazing final.”

Tactical approaches and key players

The final is often framed as a contest between Messi, considered one of the sport’s best players, and Spain’s collective strength. However, the dynamics are more complex. Messi, born in Argentina, spent much of his youth and club career in Spain, and despite attempts to recruit him, he remained committed to his home country.

This Sunday’s match will be the first time Messi plays against Spain since a friendly in 2010. He views the game as a natural continuation of his passion for football, despite the immense pressure. A notable storyline involves Messi and Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who were photographed together nearly two decades ago when Yamal was a baby, now sharing the pitch in a World Cup final.

Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, who, like De la Fuente, transitioned to the senior role after coaching the Under-21 team, has focused on restoring a traditional Argentinian game style. This approach emphasizes short passing rather than physicality in terms of longer passes or bigger forwards. Analyst Matías Manna highlights midfielder Leandro Paredes as a crucial presence, noting his ability to win the ball and defend, and his role in connecting with inside players and Messi.

Manna stresses the importance of integrated play and the tactical and emotional bonds between players over rigid formations. Under Scaloni, Argentina’s strength lies in their unity and shared purpose, particularly in their aim to secure another World Cup for Messi.

Spain’s defensive strength and Argentina’s emotional drive

Spain has been lauded for its defensive performance throughout the tournament, conceding only one goal in its first seven matches. The team has not trailed at any point in this World Cup. This defensive record puts them in contention to surpass the achievements of past World Cup winners like Spain in 2010, Italy in 2006, and France in 1998, all of whom conceded only two goals in their respective tournaments.

Rodri, Spain’s captain, acknowledged Argentina’s strength beyond Messi, recognizing them as a complete team with top players. He stated that both teams excel in collective play but emphasized the need to be mindful of Messi and other key players.

Argentina’s journey has been marked by an emotional drive, particularly with Messi’s late surges defining their performance in the knockout stage. While Spain is characterized by a process-oriented style, Argentina rides an emotional wave. This contrast sets up a classic final, where passion meets methodical play.

The final match, the 104th of the tournament, will conclude the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, expressed his hope for a final that will be remembered in history.