FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: Spain Vs Argentina – Tactical Preview
After more than a month of non-stop action, it all comes down to a match for the ages between Spain and Argentina for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title this Sunday.
Spain are searching for their second-ever World Cup title, while Lionel Messi and Argentina look to become the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
The journey through the knockout stage for both of these teams has been completely different, which sets up a truly enthralling final.
Spain needed a couple of late goals against Belgium and Portugal, but overall, they have been the most dominant team at this World Cup and thoroughly deserve to be in the final after completely dominating France in the semi-final.
Argentina, on the other hand, have endured a completely different route to the final, filled with late goals and comebacks, anything but straightforward.
They’ve needed goals in extra time to beat Cape Verde and 10-man Switzerland, three late goals to flip the match against Egypt, and then two late goals to beat England in the second semi-final on Wednesday.
In this 2026 World Cup tactical analysis, in the form of a tactical preview, we provide a tactical tale of the tape for the World Cup Final, looking at what both Spain and Argentina will try to do in and out of possession to win.
2026 FIFA World Cup Final Predicted Lineups & Formations
Predicted Spain Lineup Vs Argentina
For Luis de La Fuente's Spain, their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation hasn’t changed in the last two matches, and there is no reason to believe it will change for the final.
Unai Simón will start in goal behind the centre-back pairing of Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí.
Pedro Porro will start at right-back, while Marc Cucurella will start at left-back.
Rodri and Fabián Ruiz will more than likely start together as the two defensive midfielders.
Álex Baena will start at left wing, Dani Olmo will play as the ‘10’, and Lamine Yamal will play as the right winger.
Mikel Oyarzabal will continue to start up top at striker.
Predicted Argentina Lineup Vs Spain
Lionel Scaloni has kept the same core starting XI and has stuck to either a 4-4-2 or a 4-diamond-2 formation.
Still, he has some major decisions to make in midfield.
Emiliano Martínez will be in goal behind the centre-back pairing of Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero.
Nicolás Tagliafico will more than likely start at left-back, while Nahuel Molina will start at right-back.
The midfield is where it gets tricky.
Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández will, without a doubt, start, but the other two positions are up for grabs.
Leandro Paredes started the last three matches, so he will probably be in the side.
Rodrigo De Paul or Giuliano Simeone are the two he has to pick between.
If they go with a 4-4-2, it would make sense to start Simeone, but if Argentina come out in a 4-diamond-2, then De Paul is probably going to start.
Up top, Lionel Messi will obviously be one of the two strikers alongside either Julián Alvarez or Lautaro Martínez.
Spain Tactics In Possession
Spain have been in complete control throughout the World Cup.
They have averaged 64% possession and completely sucked the life out of their opponents.
What they have typically done in the build-up phase is go with a 3-1-2-4 shape.
They’ll use Rodri as the single pivot; Ruiz and Olmo occupy the half-spaces to create a diamond, while Baena inverts to allow Cucurella to push high up the pitch.
