Spain vs Argentina Predictions, Tips and Bet Builder, Sunday 19 July

match preview

The 2026 World Cup concludes on Sunday night as European champions Spain take on Copa América holders Argentina at MetLife Stadium — a final that pits the two most in-form teams in world football against each other. Spain have been the tournament’s outstanding side defensively, conceding just one goal across their seven matches and becoming the first nation in history to keep six clean sheets at a single World Cup. Luis de la Fuente’s side have won six straight since an opening 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, knocking out Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France along the way. Mikel Oyarzabal has been the tournament’s standout attacker with five goals, four arriving between the 20th and 40th minute. Argentina, however, are the comeback kings. Lionel Scaloni’s side have needed extra-time or late goals in all four knockout matches, scoring an incredible eight goals from the 85th minute onwards — a World Cup record. Lionel Messi’s side are bidding to become only the second nation in history to secure back-to-back World Cup triumphs, having won the 2022 edition in Qatar. They’ve won 14 consecutive matches, a joint-record among South American nations, and reached their seventh World Cup final. The head-to-head record is dead even at six wins apiece, with Argentina winning their only previous World Cup meeting 2-1 back in 1966.

key stats

• Mikel Oyarzabal has scored 5 goals at this World Cup, with 4 arriving between the 20th and 40th minute
• Lamine Yamal has registered shots on target in the majority of Spain’s knockout matches
• Lionel Messi has assisted or scored in every knockout round and always shoots in big games
• Spain have conceded just 1 goal all tournament — a World Cup record with 6 clean sheets
• Spain are 37 matches unbeaten in regulation time (W27, D10)
• Argentina have scored 8 goals from the 85th minute onwards — an all-time World Cup record
• Rodri averages multiple fouls in competitive internationals for Spain
• Referee Slavko Vinčić maintains consistent disciplinary standards in high-profile matches
• All four player selections include extra time cover; Spain or Draw covers 90 minutes

prediction and reasoning

Mikel Oyarzabal — Shots on Target — Spain’s top scorer with five goals at this World Cup has been the most reliable attacking outlet for La Roja. Four of his five goals arrived between the 20th and 40th minute, but more importantly he has registered at least one shot on target in every knockout match so far. Against Argentina’s defence, Oyarzabal’s movement and finishing ability should create opportunities. Extra time cover makes this a strong selection.

Lamine Yamal — Shots on Target — The Barcelona teenager has been Spain’s creative fulcrum throughout the tournament, consistently getting into shooting positions from the right flank. Yamal has registered shots on target in the majority of his matches and faces an Argentina side that have been defensively vulnerable, conceding in every knockout game. Extra time coverage provides additional security for a player who tends to grow into matches.

Lionel Messi — Shots on Target — The 39-year-old captain is playing in his final World Cup and has been the driving force behind Argentina’s campaign. Messi assisted both goals in the semi-final comeback against England and has consistently delivered shots on target in every knockout fixture. With extra time included, Argentina’s captain will have every opportunity to test the Spanish goalkeeper from open play and set pieces.

Spain or Draw — Double Chance — Spain are 37 matches unbeaten in regulation time, have conceded just one goal all tournament and have not fallen behind in any match at this World Cup. Argentina’s path to the final has been far more turbulent, needing late goals or extra time in every knockout round. With Spain’s historic defensive record and unbeaten run, backing them to avoid defeat in 90 minutes provides the insurance leg for this bet builder.

Rodri — Fouls Committed — Spain’s midfield general is responsible for breaking up play and shielding the back four. In a high-stakes final, Rodri will be heavily involved in midfield battles against Argentina’s creative players. Referee Slavko Vinčić averages a consistent foul count in his matches. At 2+ fouls committed, this represents a repeatable outcome for a player who regularly commits multiple fouls in competitive internationals, and extra time cover only strengthens the pick.

team news & predicted line-ups

Spain: Luis de la Fuente has a fully fit squad to choose from for the final. Mikel Oyarzabal leads the line as Spain’s top scorer with five goals, while Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro both trained apart but are expected to be fit. Rodri anchors the midfield as the most important player outside the attacking stars. No injury concerns reported.

Argentina: Lionel Scaloni has one confirmed absentee with Leonardo Balerdi ruled out through a calf injury. Lionel Messi captains the side in what will be his final World Cup appearance, having been the catalyst for Argentina’s comeback wins throughout the knockout stages. Lautaro Martinez continues to have an impact from the bench, contributing to a goal in each of his last three substitute appearances.

faq

When is Spain vs Argentina? The World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina kicks off at 20:00 BST (British Summer Time) on Sunday 19 July 2026.

Where is Spain vs Argentina being played? The match takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.

Who is the referee for Spain vs Argentina? Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will officiate the World Cup 2026 final.

What are the odds for Spain vs Argentina? Our 4.20 bet builder combines Mikel Oyarzabal (1+ shots on target), Lamine Yamal (1+ shots on target), Lionel Messi (1+ shots on target), Spain or Draw (double chance) and Rodri (2+ fouls committed) — with player selections including extra time coverage.

other tips

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