📝 Articles Day 1

Spain vs Argentina: Your ultimate tactical guide to the 2026 World Cup final

Finals do not get more mouthwatering than this.
On one side, you have the most complete, cohesive team in the tournament, with a 19-year-old superstar in their ranks in Lamine Yamal. On the other, a nation led by the best player in the history of the sport in Lionel Messi — now 39, but still capable of deciding the biggest matches almost single-handedly.
Sunday’s World Cup final will be contested by Spain and Argentina, and there are narratives to be unpacked all over the pitch.
Spain arrive in a men’s World Cup final for only the second time, after their victory in the 2010 edition, with a squad who could match the glory of that generation — and a playing style that is not dissimilar from their golden era. Argentina are in their seventh FIFA final, only Germany/West Germany (eight) have played in more, as they look to retain their world title four years on from that incredible game against France in Qatar, where they won on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
After 103 matches played in an expanded 48-team format over five weeks, just two nations remain.
This is The Athletic’s definitive data and tactical preview of the 2026 World Cup final.
It feels laughable to think that Spain’s tournament-winning credentials were questioned after their opening game.
A goalless draw with first-time qualifiers Cape Verde back on June 15 felt like an embarrassment to the European champions at the time, but a stubborn defensive block and an inspired goalkeeping performance from 40-year-old Vozinha managed to keep them at bay, despite their 27 shots and 74 per cent share of possession.
It has proved to be the only blot on an otherwise flawless World Cup page for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who are yet to fall behind at this tournament and have only conceded one goal in their seven matches — in the quarter-final against Belgium.
The Athletic’s forecast model gives Spain the edge, with a 59 per cent chance of victory to Argentina’s 41 per cent.
Neither nation has made a habit of losing in recent years: Spain’s last competitive defeat came in March 2023 away to Scotland during qualification for a Euros they subsequently won, and Argentina haven’t been beaten in knockout-phase football since a 2019 Copa America semi-final against Brazil in Brazil. They have won three major tournaments on the bounce in the years since.
Something has to give tomorrow. May the best team win.

From NYTIMES.COM