Spain vs. Argentina projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup 2026 final at MetLife Stadium

Forty-eight teams entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but only two remain alive for the title as Spain and Argentina meet at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

The matchup features Lionel Messi and the defending champions up against Messi's heir-apparent in Lamine Yamal, who leads Spain into their second-ever final and first since 2010.

Thanks to that triumph 16 years ago, Spain have never lost a World Cup final, while Argentina have done so three times but have also lifted the trophy on three occasions, including four years ago in Qatar.

Argentina have been comeback kings in the knockout rounds of this tournament, as they have not held a 90th-minute lead in any of their four games since the group stage.

The Sporting News looks at the projected starting lineups and team news ahead of Sunday's historic showdown.

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• Predicting the 2026 World Cup final
• Breaking down the prize money for the 2026 World Cup champion

Spain projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 23. U. Simon (GK) — 12. P. Porro, 22. P. Cubarsi, 14. A. Laporte, 24. M. Cucurella — 16. Rodri, 8. F. Ruiz — 19. Lamine Yamal, 10. D. Olmo, 15. A. Baena — 21. M. Oyarzabal

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None

Given how Spain have performed at the World Cup, it's hard to imagine too many changes for Luis de la Fuente heading into the final on Sunday.

The biggest question, as it has been all tournament, is the fitness of winger Nico Williams, who was so effective at Euro 2024 opposite Lamine Yamal but has been hampered at the World Cup by a hamstring injury. Alex Baena has filled in admirably from a possession sense, but his attacking presence has been mute. You wonder if De la Fuente would make the switch if Williams is finally healthy.

De la Fuente surprisingly benched Barcelona star Pedri for the quarterfinal win over Belgium, installing Fabian Ruiz instead, and the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder scored in that match. He continued in the semifinal against France and was part of a brilliant collective midfield performance, so it would track that he will continue here.

Argentina projected starting 11

(4-3-1-2, right to left): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 26. Molina, 13. Romero, 6. Li. Martinez, 3. Tagliafico — 7. De Paul, 5. Paredes, 20. Mac Allister — 24. E. Fernandez — 10. Messi, 9. Alvarez

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None

The biggest question for Lionel Scaloni to answer is whether he sticks with Giuliano Simeone in the XI, who was added for the semifinal against England to provide the team with much-needed width they had been missing most of the tournament.

His introduction came at the expense of Rodrigo De Paul, who was withdrawn from midfield. Argentina might need De Paul brought back in to contend with the numbers for Spain in the middle of the pitch.

It's also possible that Lautaro Martinez could return to the front line, but after scoring the winner off the bench against England, Scaloni could once again use him as a possible super-sub late if needed.

Spain vs. Argentina predictions, betting odds

Spain took advantage of France's biggest weakness, which was a lack of midfield superiority.

That same weakness applies to Argentina, who have been frail in midfield all tournament long. For the final 30 minutes against an exhausted England, they were able to assert their dominance in the middle of the pitch, but prior to that, it had been incredibly herky-jerky.

Spain's biggest strength is Argentina's biggest weakness, and just as that drowned France, it will do so to the Albiceleste as well.

• Score prediction: Spain 2-0 Argentina

Spain vs. Argentina World Cup final rosters

Here are the names on Spain and Argentina World Cup rosters. All caps and stats are correct as of the date of their announcement in May 2026.

Spain World Cup squad

MORE: A complete breakdown of Spain's 2026 World Cup squad

Head coach: Luis de la Fuente

Argentina World Cup squad

MORE: A complete breakdown of Argentina's 2026 World Cup squad

Head coach: Lionel Scaloni

Where to watch Spain vs. Argentina

In USA:

• TV channel: FOX
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo.

Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: