Spain and Argentina primed for 2026 World Cup final battle; XIs named

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Andrew Thompson

19 July 2026

With so much focus on

Lamine Yamal

from a Spanish perspective, it's a big moment for the

Barcelona

wonderkid today.

–

Sunday, 19 July 2026

The pre-match festivities press on at New York/New Jersey stadium.

AND THE TEAMS ARE IN!

Here's how

Spain

and

Argentina

will line up this afternoon.

There's no better person to break down the battle that is to come this afternoon than 2010

World Cup

winner, former clubmate of both Messi, and the man who gave Yamal his debut, Xavi Hernández.

His thoughts on the pair of them ahead of kick-off.

And if anyone wonders if

will be back in the finals of the grandest stage in football down the line, there's no doubt that

and Pau Cubarsí will get them there.

Some insights on Lionel Messi and his legacy with

, should La Seleccíon defeat

today.

Is he the greatest of all time already, or does he need a win today to truly cement that?

Here's Tim Vickery for more on that.

For some lighter fare, there's this on the pre-match reading menu.

More excellent pre-match coverage for your reading pleasure as we close in on the teamsheets being released.

Hilarious social media adaptations of this photo aside, these two lining up against each other at a

final defies the odds.

A fun read from The Athletic ahead of kick-off.

A good starting point today, courtesy of Michael Cox for the New York Times, highlighting the tactical and systemic differences between

that have gotten them to the final.

Which system is set to prevail on the day? Let us know in the comments below.

Saturday, 18 July 2026

Welcome back to the final live blog coverage of the 2026

FIFA

World Cup!

It's the two top-rated teams in the

rankings this afternoon in New York/New Jersey, with European champions

taking on

holders and South American champions

in what should be a test that can hopefully outstrip yesterday's scenes in Miami.

Is Lamine Yamal injured for the World Cup final? All potential absentees for Spain vs Argentina

The Independent

Yamal Meets Messi: Spain vs Argentina World Cup 2026 Final Preview

Football Espana

Maximum caution with Lamine Yamal before Spain’s 2026 World Cup final against Argentina

OffsAIde

Lionel Messi reflects on iconic Lamine Yamal photo before World Cup final

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni full of praise for Lamine Yamal ahead of World Cup final – “I wish we could lock Lamine in his room…”

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