The first-ever men's World Cup final between the European Champions and the Copa America winners is finally here. A resolute La Roja, seeking only a second men's Mundial triumph, returns to action at the MetLife Stadium to face an Argentina side preparing for their seventh final.
It's a FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, as Argentina travels to East Rutherford to face a Spain side that has not tasted defeat in 37 straight games. Albiceleste boss Lionel Scaloni will be aiming to guide his team to an immortal defense of their title.
Team Form
Spain: Unbeaten in 37 straight games since March 2024 and has kept six clean sheets.
Argentina: Struck at least twice in every tournament match, racking up 19 goals.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
Argentina has lost three of their four showdowns with Spain in the 21st century.
Spain restricted their semi-final opponents, France, to a paltry 0.31 expected goals.
Argentina has gone five consecutive matches without keeping a clean sheet.
Argentina struck at least twice in every tournament match, racking up 19 goals.
Lionel Messi has scored or assisted in 11 consecutive World Cup appearances, a record since 1966.
Spain became the first team in World Cup history to keep six clean sheets in a single edition.
Spain is the first European team to win eight consecutive knockout matches at major tournaments.
What to Expect From Both Teams
Spain | World Cup Form: DWWWWWW:
Luis de la Fuente's side enters this clash with immense confidence, looking to preserve a historic 37-game unbeaten run on the global stage.
With a squad featuring seasoned veterans like Aymeric Laporte and clinical finishers like Mikel Oyarzabal, they provide a stern test for any opposing nation.
Having previously conquered a fearsome French attack, this solid defensive rearguard is a strategic setup to restrain the dangerous South American offence.
Argentina | World Cup Form: WWWWWWW:
Lionel Scaloni's men are looking to seal an immortal legacy by becoming just the third nation to successfully defend a men's World Cup title.
Despite potential changes in wide areas with Giuliano Simeone, the Albiceleste still boast world-class heads like Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister.
With a major showpiece against the European champions arriving this Sunday, finding a way past Spain's brilliant defense is a top priority for the technical bench.
Predicted Lineups
Spain (possible):
Simon, Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Ruiz, Yamal, Olmo, Baena, Oyarzabal.
Argentina (possible):
E. Martínez, Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico, De Paul, Paredes, Fernández, Mac Allister, Messi, Álvarez.
Matchups & Players to Watch
Lamine Yamal: The teenage prodigy has dazzled with his dynamic dribbling ability and remains fully available despite recent training precautions.
Rodri: A vital cog in the Spain engine room who will be tasked with disrupting Argentina's high-scoring, multi-layered midfield combinations.
Lionel Messi: Arrives in great form as a player-of-the-tournament contender, posing a constant threat after his superb performance throughout the tournament.
Julian Alvarez: The energetic forward will be expected to lead the line alongside Messi and break Spain's historic, resolute defensive structure.
Odds Market on MSport
Spain/Home to win = 2.41
Argentina/Away to win = 3.61
Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 1.91
Over 2.5 total goals = 2.25
This clash presents a classic clash of momentum: a dominant defensive side in Spain faces an Argentina team determined to continue their high-scoring tournament run.
With both teams chasing an immortal status on the grandest stage of all, the MetLife Stadium is set for a compelling World Cup final night.
