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Spain vs Argentina Predictions & Betting Tips - Spain’s Defence to Shine in the 2026 World Cup Final

Matthew Marshall

Editor

Last updated: Sun 19 Jul 2026 00:13

Matthew Marshall 19 Jul 2026

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Spain have conceded only one goal at the 2026 World Cup
Argentina have been breached six times in the knockout rounds
I am backing La Roja’s defence to guide them to victory

Expired

Spain last met Argentina in 2018, winning 6-1 in a friendly in Madrid (Getty)

Spain turned on the style against France to prove why they deserve to be favourites in the final. Argentina have had a lot of luck in the knockout rounds, their fortune to run out against a superior La Roja side.

HTH - Second Competitive Clash
Defensive Strength Sustaining Spain
Spain Team News & Predicted Line Up
Messi Magic Guiding Argentina
Argentina Team News & Predicted Line Up

HTH - Second Competitive Clash

These nations have met 14 times, Spain and Argentina registering six wins each alongside two draws.

Only one of those encounters was a competitive clash, Spain beating Argentina 2-1 in the 1966 World Cup group stage.

Defensive Strength Sustaining Spain

Spain have been the dominant defensive side at the World Cup, conceding only one goal on their way to the final. They began with an unlucky 0-0 draw against Cabo Verde before a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia and 1-0 win against Uruguay.

The knockout stages saw more of the same, Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice in a 3-0 victory against Austria. Luis de la Fuente's side were the better team against Portugal but needed Mikel Merino’s added time goal to secure a 1-0 victory.

La Roja left it late against Belgium, Merino scoring another goal off the bench again as Spain ended with 68% possession and 1.96-0.35 xG. Oyarzabal’s early goal set the tone in the semi-final against France, a 2-0 win highlighting their collective strength.

Spain Team News & Predicted Line Up

Luis de la Fuente will be hesitant to make many changes here. Fabián Ruiz has started the last two games and could retain his spot in midfield ahead of Pedri.

Alex Baena has not been convincing on the left wing but Nico Williams is yet to start a game. Expect Mikel Merino and Ferran Torres to come off the bench.

Spain (4-2-3-1): Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal

Messi Magic Guiding Argentina

Argentina eased through the group stage where Lionel Messi scored an impressive six goals. He hit a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria, scored twice in a 2-0 victory against Austria and came off the bench to score in a 3-1 win against Jordan.

Lionel Scaloni's side have been on the brink several times in the knockout rounds. They needed an own goal in extra time to secure a 3-2 victory over Cabo Verde before Enzo Fernández’s added time goal sealed another 3-2 win against Egypt.

La Albiceleste had some luck against Switzerland who were reduced to 10 men, Julián Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez scoring in extra time to register a 3-1 win.

Argentina trailed 1-0 against England in the semi-final but managed to get through once again. Messi turned provider, assisting Enzo Fernández in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez in added time to secure a 2-1 victory.

Argentina Team News & Predicted Line Up

Giuliano Simeone started against England but Rodrigo De Paul could return to the starting side here. Lionel Messi has registered eight goals and four assists at the World Cup.

Argentina (4-4-2): Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristián Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Alvarez

Verdict

Spain v Argentina

Argentina have conceded seven goals at the World Cup, Spain’s defence breached only once in seven games. Rodri has been sensational at the tournament and I think he will guide La Roja to victory in the final.

Lamine Yamal was desperately unlucky not to be awarded a goal against France, I am sticking with the teenager in the goalscorer markets.

Spain Win

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Matthew Marshall is an Australian who worked in a number of industries before combining his love of football and media communications degree to become a sports journalist. Now living in Portugal, he is a Portuguese football expert at PortuGOAL and has covered multiple UEFA U21 European Championships, the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 European Championship.