Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on Sunday. Argentina secured their spot by making a dramatic comeback against England. This marks back-to-back finals for Lionel Messi, who first lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022. Spain’s promising talent, Lamine Yamal, will make his debut in such a pivotal match. Notably, Messi and Yamal have never encountered each other on the playing field, except in an iconic photo when Yamal was a baby.
Post-final, individual awards will be announced, including the Golden Ball for the best player, Golden Glove for the top goalkeeper, and Golden Boot for the highest goal scorer. Messi currently leads with eight goals and four assists, which acts as a tiebreaker. Kylian Mbappe follows closely with eight goals and three assists. Erling Haaland, with Norway already knocked out, sits at seven goals. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane each have six goals and are still contenders as they may play against Mbappe for the bronze medal on Saturday.
Predictions for the Final
Phil Hay predicts Spain to win, stressing their confidence and strategic play, which emerged strongly throughout the tournament. Spain appeared effective and composed, especially under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, their tactical mastermind.
Carl Anka similarly backs Spain. He cites Spain’s gradual but ultimate dominance with players like Rodri reclaiming form. Although Yamal hasn’t delivered as expected, his threatening presence can’t be ignored. Spain excels at ball possession, frustrating opponents.
Seb Stafford-Bloor also chooses Spain, pointing out Argentina’s semi-final win over England, which capitalized on England’s strategic errors. However, this might not succeed against Spain given the form they’ve maintained.
Dermot Corrigan praises Spain’s superior display against France. Despite Argentina’s impressive comeback victories, Spain remains resilient and appears to be on a mission.
Henry Bushnell believes that no international team has demonstrated such synergy and awareness as Spain. The way they handled France’s attack indicates strong potential for a one-sided final.
Lukas Weese, for variation, sides with Argentina. Although Spain’s defensive record is noteworthy, Argentina’s determined journey gives a ‘team of destiny’ vibe. He hopes for an enthralling final.
Stu James supports Spain, stating their post-France performance exhibits a formidable unit beyond individual brilliance, including Yamal. While Argentina shows remarkable resilience, Spain may be difficult for them.
Paul Tenorio opts for Argentina, valuing their passion and teamwork, especially with Messi leading. Their ‘home field’ advantage and victory over England may inspire their best performance yet.
Are Spain and Argentina the Best Teams?
Phil Hay feels both are almost there. France had off days but are capable of being the best. FIFA managed to see the best four countries make it through to the last stage.
Seb Stafford-Bloor disagrees slightly, noting that while Spain and Argentina are excellent, England and Egypt could have excelled had circumstances been different. Argentina’s unpredictable energy is both a risk and a strength.
Dermot Corrigan emphasizes that both teams achieved difficult victories to reach this stage, hinting at Spain’s resemblance to their 2010 run where a semi-final was more challenging than the final.
Carl Anka remembers France 2026 as not unlike historical great teams like Argentina 2006 or Brazil 1982 that didn’t reach the finals, attributing Spain’s final berth to their comprehensive tactics.
Henry Bushnell values France highly, asserting their semi-final loss may not overshadow their earlier performances. Spain’s neutralizing of their attack says more about Spain’s dominance.
Lukas Weese agrees, preferring a Spain-France final, comparing the scenario to top NCAA seeds making the Final Four—the four best countries felt right for this World Cup’s conclusion.
Stu James thinks France could have bested Argentina in a different semi-final setup. Despite Spain’s win over France, tournament victories lie in winning, not performing.
Paul Tenorio still ranks France highly, although Argentina’s journey showcases depth beyond raw talent.
Golden Boot Predictions
Phil Hay favors a tie between Messi and Mbappe as a fair reflection of their performance.
Dermot Corrigan anticipates the third-place game allowing Mbappe room to add to his tally.
Seb Stafford-Bloor goes for Mbappe, who might capitalize on England’s weariness.
Carl Anka confesses his initial mistake in backing Kane—citing Messi as the likely winner now.
Henry Bushnell bets on Messi, who narrowly leads over Mbappe. He could miss out if Mbappe decides to rest instead.
Lukas Weese feels Messi’s decisive semi-final performance hinted at more magic in the final.
Stu James thinks Mbappe will win, though uncertain of tactics in the third-place game.
Paul Tenorio expects Messi to secure the win in the final.
Golden Ball Predictions
Phil Hay expects Messi to win. His record-breaking efforts make him an obvious pick.
Seb Stafford-Bloor also anticipates Messi’s win, lauding his coach’s strategic brilliance despite Messi’s age.
Dermot Corrigan believes if Spain wins, a decision might be challenging. Nevertheless, Messi’s standout performances make him the likely winner.
Carl Anka acknowledges Messi’s legacy for potential third Golden Ball accolade as recognition of his contribution to the sport.
Henry Bushnell asserts that Messi will undoubtedly win post-semi-final heroics.
Lukas Weese concurs, noting his historic run as deserving the award.
Stu James considers Messi unparalleled, despite age concerns, leading in goals and assists.
Paul Tenorio regards Messi as the undeniable choice given his impact and pivotal performances.
Golden Glove Predictions
Phil Hay supports Unai Simon with notable statistics of only one goal conceded in seven games.
Seb Stafford-Bloor feels Simon’s dominance will secure his win barring final upsets.
Dermot Corrigan defends Simon’s place despite internal competition, appreciating his calm presence.
Carl Anka agrees, trusting Simon’s prowess unless another penalty shootout occurs.
Henry Bushnell simply concurs with Simon as the standout goalkeeper.
Lukas Weese praises Simon’s performance, especially his anticipation against France, sealing his choice.
Stu James attributes Simon’s success to Spain’s team dynamics, yet acknowledges his clean sheets’ merit.
Paul Tenorio confidently predicts Simon’s win.
Best Young Player Predictions
Phil Hay leans towards Lamine Yamal despite other notable young talents emerging.
Seb Stafford-Bloor favors Pau Cubarsi for his exceptional displays at a young age.
Dermot Corrigan sees Lamine set for the award, being crucial for Spain despite injuries.
Carl Anka regards Pau Cubarsi as a future defensive maestro deserving recognition.
Henry Bushnell notes potential for Yamal’s decisive moments in the final to influence FIFA’s choice.
Lukas Weese believes a pivotal role in Spain’s victory could secure Yamal’s award.
Stu James contrasts the expected and deserving winners, suggesting Cubarsi over Yamal.
Paul Tenorio suggests Cubarsi should win but acknowledges room for Yamal’s excellence in the final.
Goal of the Tournament Predictions
Phil Hay forecasts Sidny Lopes Cabral’s strike against Argentina for its quality and moment.
Seb Stafford-Bloor appreciates Cabral’s goal but highlights Pedro Porro’s semi-final strike for its timing and execution.
Dermot Corrigan speculates Messi’s exceptional goal against Egypt could clinch it due to its brilliance under pressure.
Carl Anka is fond of Amad’s and Mbappe’s goals, yet believes Cabral’s momentous finish against Argentina deserves it.
Henry Bushnell values Cabral’s goal but hints at Julián Alvarez’s winning goal’s broader impact.
Lukas Weese admires Messi’s Algerian goal’s artistry and historical significance in his World Cup journey.
Stu James singularly praises Cabral for encapsulating the Cape Verde story in a brilliant strike.
Paul Tenorio hopes Sidny Lopes Cabral’s standout moment formats the ideal World Cup goal narrative.