The 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament has come down to one game: Spain against Argentina. The European champions and world number one take on the South American champions and World Cup holders in what promises to be a fitting finale.

Argentina, appearing in their 18th World Cup, have won the title three times (1978, 1986, 2022). Lionel Messi, at 39, remains the team's pivot and is set to win the Golden Boot with eight goals. Despite a shocking opening defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2022, Argentina have since gone on a 14-game winning streak, though their knockout matches have been tight, requiring extra time in some cases.

Spain, in their 17th World Cup, won their only title in 2010. Ranked first in the world after winning Euro 2024, they have conceded just one goal in the tournament. Young stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have yet to fully ignite, but Spain's possession-based tiki-taka game remains formidable. They are unbeaten in 37 matches, with their last competitive loss dating back to March 2023.

Both teams boast strong defenses, but Argentina's reliance on Messi could be a weakness if he gets injured. Spain's pedestrian pace has been questioned, especially against low-block defenses. The final will likely see Argentina's attack, led by Messi, against Spain's organized possession play.

Key players to watch include Messi, Julian Alvarez, and Lisandro Martinez for Argentina, and Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, and Lamine Yamal for Spain. The global audience hopes for an exciting match, though both teams would settle for a dull 1-0 win.

Source: www.aljazeera.com