Argentina vs Spain: Experts Reveal Their World Cup Final Predictions

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is nearing its end, and predictions are pouring in ahead of the highly anticipated showdown between defending champions Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19.

The match will kick off at 3 p.m. Eastern Time, or 2 a.m. WIB on Monday, July 20, for viewers in Indonesia.

The final has been widely billed as a symbolic clash between football's past and future, with 39-year-old Lionel Messi leading Argentina against Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, 19. Both stars emerged from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy but now stand on opposite sides in pursuit of the sport's biggest prize.

Spain Enter Final as Slight Favorites

According to statistics provider Opta, cited by Al Jazeera, Spain have a 59.56 percent probability of lifting the World Cup trophy, making Luis de la Fuente's side slight favorites to win their second world title after their maiden triumph in South Africa in 2010.

Spain's impressive tournament run has convinced several former players and pundits that La Roja are best positioned to emerge victorious.

Former England striker Michael Owen described Spain as the tournament's "deserved" winners, praising their collective style of play.

"Spain haven't got the greatest individual players, I think France probably have, but Spain as a team are everything England are not. They are brave and courageous with the ball," Owen told The Straits Times.

"Spain are just a great team that pass the ball confidently and play amazing football as a collective."

Former Sweden and Barcelona star Zlatan Ibrahimovic also backed Spain, citing their dominant 2-0 semifinal victory over France.

"Spain handled France very well. I believe they can handle this Argentina," Zlatan said on Fox Sports.

"Argentina is not a counterattacking team. Spain are going to do their thing. They're going to play collectively. I believe Spain are going to dominate that game."

Midfield Battle Could Decide the Title

According to USA Today, many analysts believe the World Cup final could be decided in midfield.

Argentina's midfield trio have successfully controlled games and created space for Messi to operate between the lines. However, Spain arguably possess the strongest midfield unit in the tournament, with Rodri and Ruiz consistently denying opponents time and possession.

Spain demonstrated that strength against France by limiting Kylian Mbappe's influence and controlling large portions of the semifinal.

A similar strategy could be employed against Argentina, with Spain expected to restrict Messi's touches and force the defending champions out of their comfort zone.

Argentina's Mentality and Messi Factor

Despite Spain's status as favorites, many believe Argentina cannot be counted out.

Lionel Scaloni's side have repeatedly shown resilience throughout the tournament, surviving extra-time battles against Cape Verde and Switzerland, rallying from two goals down to defeat Egypt, and coming from behind again to beat England in the semifinals.

Former England striker Alan Shearer believes Argentina's mentality could prove decisive.

"If there's one team that can do it in terms of stopping them, it's Argentina because of their mentality and togetherness," Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast.

"They have been down so many times and somehow managed to get a win. That's what you've got to admire about them."

"When you've got a genius in your side," he added, referring to Messi, "you've always got a chance."

Football pundit Micah Richards suggested Argentina's best route to victory would be to remain compact defensively and exploit transitions.

"Get the ball to Messi, whereas Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez just make it horrible," Richards said.

"I think Argentina need to stay in the game as they did against England and turn it on when they see a shift in momentum."

Gary Lineker also acknowledged the difficulty of predicting the outcome.

"You cannot go against that little fella," Lineker said of Messi. "He's so great; it's going to be really, really close. It's genuinely 50-50."

A Final for the Ages

Argentina are aiming to become only the third nation in history to win back-to-back World Cup titles, while Spain are seeking to reclaim football's biggest prize for the first time since 2010.

Whether it ends with Messi lifting another trophy in what could be his final World Cup appearance or with Yamal announcing himself as football's new global icon, the 2026 final promises to deliver one of the most compelling generational battles in recent memory.

How to Watch Argentina vs Spain

• Match: Argentina vs Spain

• Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026 (Monday, July 20 in Indonesia)

• Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. WIB

• Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Broadcast: Fox, Telemundo

• Streaming: FOX One App, Peacock

The match is expected to end around 4:50-5 p.m. ET (3:50-4 a.m. WIB), depending on stoppage time. If the match goes to extra time and penalties, it could continue until around 6 p.m. ET or 5 a.m. WIB.

As Argentina chase back-to-back World Cup titles and Spain seek their first crown since 2010, football fans around the world, including those in Indonesia watching in the early hours of Monday morning, are set for a historic finale featuring one of the game's greatest legends and its brightest young star.

Read: World Cup Final Halftime Show: When to Watch BTS, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and More

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