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Spain's 2026 World Cup Final Predicted Line Up - No Surprises Expected for La Roja

matthew-marshall
Editor
Last updated: Sat 18 Jul 2026 20:12
Spain are set for their historic World Cup final clash against Argentina, aiming for their second title. Coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to field an unchanged, in-form starting XI, including key players like Unai Simón, Rodri, and Mikel Oyarzabal. Despite some minor fitness concerns, the squad is at full strength, with Lamine Yamal confirmed fit to start. Fabián Ruiz likely retains his midfield spot, and with substitutes like Pedri and Torres, Spain has depth. The team’s defensive solidity and attacking prowess are their key assets for the showdown.
Matthew Marshall 3 hours ago
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  • Spain are expected to field an unchanged starting XI vs Argentina
  • Rodri has been the key as La Roja conceded one goal thus far
  • Lamine Yamal is confirmed to be fit and will start on the right-wing
Spain 2026 World Cup team photo
Spain pose before the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final against France (Getty)

Spain are on the brink of claiming their second World Cup title, only Argentina standing in their way in the 2026 final to be played on Sunday.

Luis de la Fuente appears to have settled on his first choice XI and with a fully fit squad at his disposal, expect to see no major changes for the showpiece in New Jersey.

Let's take a look at how Spain are likely to line up in the final.

Spain's Predicted Line Up


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

Unai Simón, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella have started every game and that continuity in defence has been one of the reasons for their success. Spain have conceded only one goal in seven matches at the World Cup.

Marcos Llorente started at right-back in the group stage games against Cape Verde and Uruguay, providing the assist for the winning goal against the South American side.

It wasn't enough however, Pedro Porro starting every game in the knockout stages and scoring the second goal in the 2-0 semi-final win against France.

Rodri regained fitness at the right time and has been a vital component in Spain’s defensive structure. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner has not grabbed the headlines but make no mistake about his importance to the team.

Dani Olmo has started in the playmaker position in every knockout match and without being spectacular, he should continue in the role.

The same can be said about Alex Baena, the left-winger starting in the previous six encounters and being substituted off on each occasion, usually for Ferran Torres or Nico Williams.

Lamine Yamal came off the bench in Spain’s opening game but has been a permanent presence on the right-wing ever since. He suffered a knock against France but Luis de la Fuente has confirmed he will start, saying: "He took a heavy knock to the thigh; he was fouled in the box the other day, and in a very painful area. Today he's also been taking part in training with the rest of his teammates as normal."

Mikel Oyarzabal is the undisputed starter up front and has scored a team high five goals in the tournament. The Real Sociedad is not as well known as some of his teammates, but with 30 goals in 60 appearances for Spain, his importance to the attack is undeniable.

Will Luis de la Fuente make any changes?


Fabián Ruiz and Pedri compete for a spot in midfield next to Rodri, but with Ruiz starting in the previous two games and opening the scoring in the quarter-final victory over Belgium, he should retain his spot.

Alex Baena has not been convincing but with Nico Williams lacking minutes and Ferran Torres being used as a game changing substitute, the manager could continue to prioritise the collective and keep the Atlético Madrid winger in the starting side.

Expect Pedri, Ferran Torres, Mikel Merino, Marcos Llorente and Nico Williams to be options off the bench.
matthew-marshall
Matthew Marshall

Football & Tennis Editor/Writer • 20+ Years of Experience, Portuguese Football Expert

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 who has covered multiple UEFA U21 European Championships, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 European Championship.


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