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The 2026 FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina might not feature the depth of star power that a France and England final would have, but make no mistake: the quality is there with the two finalists, as the two semifinal losers learned. That quality starts at the very top with Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, two superstars separated by 20 years, but it doesn’t end there. Here is our combined XI for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium: Formation: 4-3-3 Goalkeeper Spain has shown incredible defensive stability throughout this World Cup, and its goalkeeper Unai Simón has played a major role in that, conceding only one goal as Spain’s No. 1. But despite Simón conceding fewer goals than Emiliano Martínez, Martínez gets the nod because of his pedigree and big-game moments. He has been critical in Argentina winning two Copa Américas and a World Cup, coming up huge in key moments and in multiple penalty shootouts. Vedict: Emiliano Martínez Right Back Pedro Porro has really broken onto the scene at this tournament. He came into the World Cup off a relatively inconsistent season for Tottenham, which had a poor season as a club, but Porro has played incredibly well for Spain. He has been defensively solid while also being a presence in attack. Because of that, he gets the nod over the more experienced Nahuel Molina. Verdict: Pedro Porro Right Center Back Cristian Romero gets the nod over Pau Cubarsí because of his importance in Argentina’s back line and the way he has come up big in crucial moments. Romero got on the end of the header that was deflected in by a Cape Verde player for the winner in the Round of 32, and he also played a huge role in Argentina’s run to the final. Cubarsí has been marvelous in his first major international tournament, but Romero’s experience, edge and know-how get him over the line. Verdict: Cristian Romero Left Center Back Aymeric Laporte has been a pivotal player at the back, anchoring a back line that has conceded only one goal in this tournament. He has provided experience next to the inexperienced Pau Cubarsí, and his ball-playing ability out of the back has been essential for Spain. His ability to play in a high line while Spain squeezes opponents as a unit has made him a valuable piece. He gets the nod over Lisandro Martínez, who scored an important goal against Cape Verde in extra time earlier in the tournament. Verdict Aymeric Laporte Left Back Marc Cucurella came into this tournament as one of the best left backs in the world and has continued to show it. With his high energy going up and down the left flank, Cucurella provides defensive stability while also being an important presence in possession. His link-up play with Álex Baena on Spain’s left side has been key to how Spain controls games. Tagliafico has been solid and brings experience, but Cucurella gets the clear nod. Verdict: Marc Cucurella Left Central Midfielder Rodri has been playing his best football at this World Cup for the first time since tearing his ACL early in the 2024-25 season, following his Ballon d’Or campaign where he won the Premier League with Manchester City and the Euros with Spain. He has absolutely bossed the midfield, showing his composure, ability to dictate tempo and elite footballing brain. Paredes was introduced by Lionel Scaloni to provide more control in midfield for Argentina as the tournament unfolded, but Rodri gets the nod as one of the best players in the world. Verdict: Rodri Right Central Midfielder Fabián Ruiz was introduced by Luis de la Fuente as a starter against Belgium in the quarterfinals, and Spain has not looked back. He has provided more dynamism in midfield with his ability to carry the ball forward, while his work rate next to Rodri to close down spaces has been great. Enzo Fernández just gets the slight nod. He has not been at his absolute best this tournament while playing in a deeper role, but his pedigree and importance to Argentina still give him the very slight edge over Fabián. Verdict: Enzo Fernández Attacking Midfielder Dani Olmo continues to be a pivotal part of this Spain team, occupying the central attacking midfield position. His intricate play, ability to make late runs and presence around the edge of the box have been critical for Spain. He is not the most natural, silky No. 10, but his unique qualities and overall connectivity with Mikel Oyarzabal make him essential to this side. Mac Allister is made of the right stuff. He has the capacity to make runs into the box and be a goal threat, he is willing to do the dirty work in midfield, and he can carry the ball forward. But Olmo gets the slight nod. Verdict: Dani Olmo Left Winger Lionel Messi just continues to show why he is the greatest player in the history of football. He has scored eight goals in this tournament and had two assists in Argentina’s late comeback victory against England, taking over that game just like he took over Argentina’s late comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16. Messi looks like he is 39 turning on 29. Baena is unfortunate to be compared to Messi because of the left-sided role. He has had a solid tournament for Spain, providing the ability to keep possession, free roam and pick up different pockets. But Messi gets the clear nod. Verdict: Lionel Messi Striker Mikel Oyarzabal has had a marvelous tournament for Spain, scoring five goals, including the pivotal penalty to take the lead over France in the semifinals. He has been efficient and ruthless as a finisher while playing as an untraditional No. 9. He may not play like a classic striker, but he has been incredible in that role for Spain. Julián Álvarez has not had his best tournament compared to his contributions in 2022 for Argentina, but he still scored a magical goal to win the game for Argentina in the quarterfinals against Switzerland late in extra time. Oyarzabal gets the nod. Verdict: Mikel Oyarzabal Right Winger Because of the imbalance between Spain’s shape and Argentina playing with four midfielders, Rodrigo De Paul gets compared to Lamine Yamal. Yamal is one of the best young players we have ever seen and just turned 19 a day before Spain’s semifinal victory over France. He came into this World Cup nursing a hamstring injury he suffered near the end of the club season with Barcelona, but he has steadily grown into this tournament. He has scored only one goal, but his impact goes beyond the stats. His ability to create fear every time he gets on the ball makes him one of the most dangerous players on the pitch. Yamal gets the nod and will be the second-best player in the World Cup final behind Messi. Verdict: Lamine Yamal Final Combined XI For Spain And Argentina GK: Emiliano MartínezRB: Pedro PorroCB: Aymeric LaporteCB: Cristian RomeroLB: Marc CucurellaCM: RodriCM: Enzo FernándezCAM: Dani OlmoLW: Lionel MessiST: Mikel OyarzabalRW: Lamine Yamal​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

I’m reminded of the saying in George R.R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones” series: “What is dead may never die.” And much like the Ironborn or the White Walkers, there are some things in fútbol that never die. And that’s Argentina. A team that sacrifices itself and drowns during a match, only to rise again and destroy whatever lies in its sight. With Lionel Messi, just like the Night King, leading the destruction. And just like I’ve previously said, Messi and his Argentina companions are relentless in discovering new ways to win. Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal victory over England in Atlanta was a testament to this ritual. After the first half, it appeared the Three Lions had victory in their sights. The light was clear and guiding and became even more vivid after Anthony Gordon’s opening goal in the 55th minute, courtesy of a wonderful cross from the super agile Morgan Rogers. Argentina, though physically imposing, could not find a way to break down this English wall. Djed Spence was magnificent in his surprise start at left back. John Stones, too, in his substitute shift at center back. Jordan Pickford, ever in his confident smile, denied anything that came towards him in goal. As the minutes died down, so did Lionel Scaloni’s smile. The Argentina manager was running out of ideas and staring at a defeat. To be honest, it would have been accepted because, just like Switzerland and Egypt — and emphatically so from the Cape Verde victory — Messi and his teammates were running out of ways to get up. But that’s the thing. This Argentina squad somehow, rather, always, finds a way. I will be brutally honest: Messi is someone who I admire more than any other player. I have covered his career extensively, wrote a book about him and have had the honor and privilege of interviewing him one-on-one. And as a lifelong Aston Villa supporter, Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez is also a player who is close to my heart. But as a Peruvian, born and raised in England and with English family members, this one truly hurt. So excuse my figurative tears. But Messi and Argentina don’t care. And that’s what makes them so impressive. They are World Cup champions, not because they know how to win, but rather because they kill themselves in the quest to do it. They treat the opponent, not as an obstacle, but as a virus. Something that must be eradicated. It’s what makes them Argentina. To them, winning is not a desire, it is a hunger. I will also say that England also paid the ultimate price after scoring because, instead of fighting fire with fire, it actually invited Argentina to attack. It almost welcomed it. The substitutions were too defensive and restrictive, and Messi saw this as an opportunity. Not to score, but to utilize his other (perhaps most underrated) weapon … to create. His two assists were indicative of his incredible ability to open up play and find angles where no one else can. The first was the easiest as he fed Enzo Fernández, who absolutely smashed the ball past Pickford in the 85th minute. The second? A beautiful cross, once again from the right wing, finding Lautaro Martínez like an arrow to the center target. England knew it was done. It allowed the greatest player we have ever witnessed, at 39, to once again destroy it all. The final whistle blew, and Argentina once again fell to its knees. Messi was once again lifted by his teammates. Argentina had done it again. It reached a second straight World Cup final and now has the chance to become the third team in history to win back-to-back titles (joining ancient rivals Brazil and Italy). So now comes a meeting of generational icons where the full circle is fully embraced. Messi, who once at the age of 19 did a promotional photographic shoot for Barcelona holding a baby Lamine Yamal in his arms, will meet this Sunday as Argentina faces Spain. La Finalissima between the champions of Europe and South America will indeed happen. It will be a meeting of the past, present and future. But most importantly, it will be a final of steel and grace. For Argentina, it’s a chance at incredible repeated glory. For Spain, a chance for its second title and first since 2010. And for all of us, it’s one more chance to witness Messi. Inevitable. Omnipresent. The undisputed king of the realm.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

It took 102 matches … and we’re right back where we started. Lionel Messi and Argentina are defending their World Cup, and are looking to become the first back-to-back champs since Brazil in 1962. The epic final between Argentina and Spain is jam-packed with storylines that make it a must-watch event for everyone, from the most devout fans left in the tournament to the scornful stragglers whose team failed to make the final. Here are the four key storylines to know for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium. 1. Lamine Yamal’s Coronation … Lionel Messi’s throne is up for grabs, and the overwhelming belief is that Lamine Yamal will succeed him, just as he did at FC Barcelona. Some would argue that he’s already done enough to earn it. Others think he still has to prove it, and a World Cup title at 19 years old would put that debate to bed. Only four players in history have started in the World Cup final and won it before the age of 20: Uruguay’s Rubén Morán, Brazil’s Pelé, Italy’s Giuseppe Bergomi and France’s Kylian Mbappé. If Yamal does it this year with Spain, he will be the youngest to do it since Bergomi in 1982. That list gets even smaller when you include players that have also won the Euros before the age of 20 – because the list is zero. Yamal would become the first after winning the Euros with Spain in 2024. 2. … Or Messi’s Final Stand? Lionel Messi’s World Cup journey has nearly ended more times than he and his Argentina teammates would care to admit. First against Cape Verde, then against Egypt, Switzerland and, most recently, England. None have succeeded, either because of Messi’s heroics or due to Argentina’s will to keep their national hero’s dream alive. Messi will now go head-to-head with a country he knows very well in Spain. Messi spent 21 years of his life in Barcelona, rising through the youth ranks of La Masia before making his senior team debut for FC Barcelona in 2004. He’s a legend in Spain; now he’s standing in the way of the country’s second-ever World Cup title. Messi’s best days are behind him at 39 years old, but he’s shown that he doesn’t need to be in his physical prime to dominate his competition, scoring eight goals in seven matches this tournament. 3. Spain’s Stout Defense … Spain’s path to the final hasn’t been easy. In its seven matches, it has played three teams ranked in the top 10 in the FIFA World Rankings: Belgium (8), Portugal (7) and France (2). No team has played more at this year’s tournament. And yet, even in the face of the stiffest competition the tournament had to offer, Spain has conceded just one goal so far. Its six clean sheets are the most by a team in a single edition of the World Cup. Goalkeeper Unai Simón has been at the center of Spain’s shutout wins, recording a record six clean sheets at this year’s tournament. But its defense has been anchored on the pitch by 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who has returned to his world-class form at the World Cup. 4. … Against Argentina’s Unwavering Offense Argentina has scored 18 goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, more than any team at the tournament by two goals. Half of those goals have come in the 75th minute or later. It doesn’t just win; it delivers painful punches to the gut. If there’s any team that can buck that trend, it’s Spain and its stellar defense, but the key difference between these two teams is experience. Spain’s star player is a 19-year-old playing in his first World Cup; Argentina’s star player is a 39-year-old playing in his sixth, who also happens to be leading the Golden Boot race. One thing is for sure: nothing will come easy, for either side, in Sunday’s World Cup final.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

ATLANTA STADIUM — Just when it looked as though the end of the road had arrived for the GOAT on the biggest stage in sports, Lionel Messi and Argentina made magic. The Albiceleste came back to win a World Cup semifinal for the ages, 2-1, over England on late goals by Enzo Fernández and substitute Lautaro Martínez. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for England earlier in the second half off a perfect cross from Morgan Rogers — a goal that kept the Three Lions in front until there were just five minutes of regular time remaining. But Fernández — who plays his club soccer for Premier League side Chelsea — scored a brilliant long-range equalizer off a pass from Messi. Fernández then sealed another famous win for Argentina over its transatlantic rival in stoppage time. “We were ready to go home, sad, knowing that we had left everything on the pitch,” a relieved Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said in his press conference after the match. “After they scored, we really proved ourselves. It shows what football is to us, which is something that goes beyond tactics.” It was a fitting end to an instant classic. The atmosphere was off the charts in Georgia’s capital, with two of the most fervent supporters in sports taking over the city in the lead-up to the match. But while the packed crowd of almost 70,000 leaned decisively Argentine — Albiceleste fans completely drowned out “God Save the King” before kickoff – the English seemed destined early to finally return to the World Cup final for the first time since they won their only major trophy way back in 1966. Argentina will now take on Spain in Sunday’s title match at New York New Jersey Stadium, while England will head to a consolation match on Saturday against France in Miami. Here are four takeaways from Wednesday’s unforgettable encounter. 1. Argentina — and Messi — Will Play For History In addition to the world title they won four years ago in Qatar, Scaloni’s team also won the Copa América as South American champions in 2021 and 2024, joining Spain’s 2008-2012 squad as the only nation to win the World Cup and a pair of continental titles on either side. Now the Albiceleste will go for an unprecedented fourth straight major tournament title. Just getting the chance is an unbelievable achievement for a team that, despite its recent record, was not considered one of the favorites to win this World Cup. And maybe they won’t. Still, who would bet against this team? A day before the match, Scaloni said the following: “We have a culture where we never write off a match as lost.” Before Wednesday’s epic, Argentina came back from near death a couple of times during the knockout stage. On this day, they stared the Grim Reaper in the face and laughed. While Spain might be the better team on paper, that piece of paper will mean nothing when the World Cup final kicks off. 2.  Heartbreak For England Again For England, a 60-year World Cup drought will continue for at least another four years. Getting to Sunday’s title match at New York New Jersey Stadium would have cleared a major hurdle on the way to breaking that streak. As Tuchel said on Tuesday, they’ve been knocking on the door for the last eight years. This was the Three Lions’ second World Cup semifinal appearance in three tournaments; they also lost the final of the European Championship in 2020 (which was played in 2021 because of the global coronavirus pandemic) and 2024. Tuchel signed a contract extension before this World Cup. England will be one of the contenders for Euro 2028. Still, captain Harry Kane will be 34 then, with no obvious replacement coming up behind him. It’s hard to imagine Jude Bellingham being better than he was over the last few games, though both superstars were quiet against Argentina. The point is, there is no guarantee that this sort of opportunity will come around again in the next few years. Just ask anyone who is old enough to remember that glorious summer in London 60 years ago this month. This was a chance squandered — one England’s players and fans will be thinking about for a long time to come. “We were very, very close today,” a visibly devastated Tuchel said after Wednesday’s loss. Said Kane: “We just need to find that missing piece in the final stage of the tournament.” 3. Argentina’s Understudies Steal The Show In a match stocked with superstars, it was Messi’s supporting cast that came to his rescue on Wednesday. For the second time in three matches, defensive-minded midfielder Fernández scored a hugely important goal to help keep Argentina in the World Cup. Martínez, the captain of Inter Milan and for years now the best player in all of Italy’s Serie A, would start for just about any other country. Yet he played the hero off the bench again, as he did by sealing the Albiceleste’s quarterfinal win over Switzerland last Saturday, just as he scored the game-winner over Colombia in the 2024 Copa final. “This experience is just incredible,” Martínez said post-game in the bowels of the stadium. “The work, the sacrifices, everything come came to fruition.” Not even the greatest player ever wins alone. Though Messi might be the straw that stirs the drink and the inspiration for the rest of his teammates, he’ll need help to hoist another World Cup on Sunday. Win or lose, that help will be there. 4. A Fitting Final For The Greatest World Cup Ever Both Argentina and England entered Wednesday’s contest knowing what was in store should they prevail, with Spain having defeated France in Dallas a day earlier to advance to the decisive match of the biggest sporting event on the planet. Now we all know. It’s a fitting end to what will go down as the greatest World Cup of all time. Spain is the reigning European champion, having beaten this same English squad two summers ago in the Euro 2024 final. Argentina has claimed the last two Copa América titles as South America champions. Oh, and they also happen to be the World Cup holders. As we saw with their ferocious showing against the English in Atlanta, the Albiceleste will not relinquish their hard-earned crown without a knock-down, drag-out fight — even against a team that is considered the stronger one by the sports books. Lionel Messi & Co. are trying to become the first repeat World Cup champion since Brazil, led by Pele, repeated all the way back in 1962. Spain has everything to play for, too. For all their pedigree, La Roja has won just one World Cup, in 2010. The pre-tournament favorites are determined to add to that tally with the help of a player many consider as Messi’s most obvious successor: 19-year-old fellow Barcelona academy product Lamine Yamal. “It’s going to be a very special match,” Martínez said. “This is a place where dreams can come true.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports