Spain vs Argentina Predictions

• Spain have conceded just one goal at the World Cup
• Argentina have had to come through extra time twice
• Spain haven’t lost a competitive game in normal time since March 2023

Final date for Spain and Argentina

After over a month of action, the World Cup comes to a close on Sunday night as Spain and Argentina meet in the final at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Spain came into the competition as the favourites but some uninspiring displays in the group stages saw them drop behind France in the betting. La Roja were the underdogs ahead of their semi-final with Les Bleus but they ultimately claimed a fairly comfortable 2-0 win, as they made France’s fearsome attack look incredibly ordinary.

Argentina are bidding to become just the third team to win back-to-back World Cups after their triumph in Qatar four years ago. Italy were the first team to achieve that feat in 1934 and 1938, followed by Brazil in 1958 and 1962. The South Americans have now reached three of the last four finals but they are the clear underdogs for the 2026 showpiece.

Like Spain, Argentina were the underdogs for their semi-final clash with England and for large periods of that game they were very much second best. The Three Lions took the lead early in the second half but Thomas Tuchel’s decision to adopt a more defensive approach backfired spectacularly as Argentina scored two late goals to complete a comeback.

Superb Spain can claim second title

Spain won their sole World Cup in 2010 and remarkably Sunday will be just their second appearance in the final, whereas Argentina have been regulars in the showpiece as three-time winners and three-time runners-up.

The current La Albiceleste squad is packed with players who lifted the trophy four years ago and that extra experience could give them an edge, while Lionel Messi’s presence in attack means they always carry a threat. However, on the balance of the respective performances of these teams over the course of the competition Spain look the justifiable favourites.

Spain came through the group stage comfortably without really hitting their stride but have navigated the knockout stages with relative ease. Luis de la Fuente’s side did need a late goal to overcome Belgium in a 2-1 win in the last eight, but they still dominated and controlled that game for the majority of the match.

In contrast, Argentina have had a few scares on their way to the final. They needed extra time in the last 32 to overcome minnows Cape Verde and then scored three goals in the final 11 minutes to fight back against Egypt after falling 2-0 down. Argentina needed extra time to overcome Switzerland in the quarter finals and they benefitted from a couple of key decisions going their way, before their comeback against England.

This Argentina side does always seem to find a way to win but against Spain’s rock solid-defence they could come unstuck. Both Egypt and England panicked after taking the lead against Lionel Scaloni’s side but Spain are exceptional at edging ahead and turning the screw.

Spain should also be the fresher of these two sides as they played their last four tie a day earlier and have won all their knockout games in normal time, while Argentina have twice needed extra time.

Spain can shut out Messi and co

Spain managed to nullify France’s fearsome attack and their success at this World Cup has been built on clean sheets. Spain could be forced into a defensive change as right-back Pedro Porro is an injury doubt, but even if he is ruled out they have enough quality at the back to keep Argentina quiet.

A 2-0 win for Spain seems a reasonable correct score prediction as they’ve scored eight goals in their four knockout games, while Argentina conceded twice against both Cape Verde and Egypt and have gone five games without a clean sheet.

With Messi pulling the strings Argentina will create openings but Spain have the ability to dominate possession and they can limit his involvement. England were doing a fairly good job of keeping Messi quiet until they changed their system, and Spain are unlikely to make such a naive tactical misstep.

Mikel Oyarzabal is Spain’s top scorer with five goals and he scored from the penalty spot in the win over France. Oyarzabal should be on spot kick duties again and he looks the standout candidate for an anytime effort in the final.