Six battles that will decide the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina: From Lionel Messi versus Marc Cucurella to Lamine Yamal against Nico Tagliafico

The World Cup final is finally upon us, and Sunday’s showdown between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey promises to be an absolutely enthralling encounter between the two best teams in the tournament – with the emphasis very much on ‘teams’.

Spain are the quintessential well-oiled machine, in which every single player knows their role inside out and works tirelessly for the common good. La Roja don’t have anything like the same level of star quality as semi-final opponents France and yet their dream mix of selflessness and flawless technical ability enabled them to completely dismantle Didier Deschamps’ side in Dallas on Tuesday.

The following evening in Atlanta, Argentina showcased their famed fighting spirit by coming from behind to deservedly beat England with two late goals assisted by Lionel Messi – the living legend who unites an entire squad, and indeed an entire nation.

So, who’s going to take home the trophy? Are Spain going to add a World Cup to the European Championship they won two years ago? Or are Argentina going to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the title? Here, GOAL breaks down the six battles that will decide one of the most eagerly awaited finals in football history…

Rodri vs Enzo Fernandez & Alexis Mac Allister

There was always the feeling that Spain were the one side capable of nullifying France simply because they had Rodri in front of their back four. The Manchester City ace has had his injury issues over the past couple of years, but there was already ample evidence to suggest that he was back to his Ballon d’Or-winning best before he turned in a midfield masterclass against Les Bleus.

Argentina obviously don’t lack aggression or athleticism in their engine room, meaning they unquestionably have it in them to disrupt Rodri’s rhythm. However, doing so will very much depend on either Enzo Fernandez or Alexis Mac Allister – or maybe even a combination of both – pressing Spain’s skipper at every opportunity, because if he’s allowed time on the ball, he’ll run the game, in much the same way he controlled the semi-final against France.

From an Argentine perspective, the hope will be that the multi-talented Fernandez and Mac Allister will also be able to ask serious questions of Rodri and his likely midfield partner Fabian Ruiz from a defensive perspective.

Fernandez has played well only in patches in this tournament, but he’s scored great goals at massive moments against both Egypt and England, while Mac Allister hit the post twice in the closing stages of the latter game, to emphasise his attacking threat, and suggest that the Albiceleste’s most complete midfielders have rediscovered their Qatar 2022 form at precisely the right time.