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2026 World Cup
Final
Spain vs Argentina
New York, New Jersey Stadium
Sunday 19 July
21:00
Spain and Argentina will face off in football’s biggest match, the World Cup final, set for the New York New Jersey Stadium on the evening of Sunday 19 July. Here are three players from each team that could prove decisive in claiming the ultimate glory for their nation.
Spain
Rodri
While the likes of Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal have had a lot of the spotlight on them, Rodri has become more and more influential as the tournament has progressed, and he was the conductor for Spain in their victory over France, controlling the midfield with a blend of elegance, intelligence and physicality when required. If he can replicate that kind of performance in the Final, then Spain will be well set to become two-time World Cup winners.
Lamine Yamal
Though he was limping at the end of the Semifinal against France, Lamine Yamal will surely start the Final and look to further cement his status as the most exciting rising star in world football today. The 19-year-old has been unable to hit top gear at this tournament due to injuries, but he still remains capable of unlocking any defence with his dribbling, shooting and incisive passing.
Unai Simon
Spain’s defence has been imperious at this World Cup, conceding just one goal in seven matches thus far. At the heart of that has been the outstanding goalkeeper Unai Simon, who has not just been the key organiser of the back-four in front of him, but also provided an additional layer of ‘sweeping’ with his ability to read the play and come off his line quickly. Add in excellent handling and shot-stopping, and you have the foundation a World Cup winning team is built upon.
Argentina
Lionel Messi
Already a World Cup winner and regarded as one of the all-time greats, Messi will further entrench himself as a football legend if Argentina can win their fourth World Cup title. With 12 goal involvements (8 goals, 4 assists) at this tournament, the 39-year-old has remained fundamental to La Albiceleste’s success.
Enzo Fernandez
A tireless runner and passer in midfield, Fernandez has also proven his worth as a scorer of key goals, notably netting the winner against Egypt earlier in the tournament, as well as a beautiful long-range hit to level the game against England in the semifinal. He will have a tough time of things against Spain’s midfield, but the Chelsea man thrives in adversity.
Julian Alvarez
A super all-round attacker who selflessly shifts around the whims of Lionel Messi, Alvarez nonetheless offers a major goal threat – as he demonstrated in the quarterfinal win over Switzerland. The Atletico Madrid man will fancy his chances of testing a Spanish defence which has been imperious through the World Cup.
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