The 2026 FIFA World Cup has all come down to this. One game left to be played, two teams left in contention. Lionel Messi and Argentina look to become the third country ever to win back-to-back World Cups, while Lamine Yamal and Spain aim to secure the Euros-World Cup double. Below, our experts make their predictions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
2026 FIFA World Cup Final Odds: Spain vs. Argentina
Who Will Win the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Blake Krass
There is an epic World Cup final set between the reigning champions of South America and the reigning champions of Europe. There are massive historical stakes for both sides, outside of the obvious achievement of winning a World Cup. For Argentina, they could become the third nation in history to win back-to-back World Cups, and draw level with Germany and Italy for the second-most World Cups in history. For Spain, they could become just the seventh nation in history to win multiple World Cups.
For Messi and these Argentina players, it would mean immortality. Getting to raise a second consecutive World Cup, along with their Copa America titles, would give them a strong argument as the greatest international team in history. For Spain, it would give this group of players their first World Cup title, but their second straight major tournament trophy, cementing them as the current power in Europe. It would also send Lamine Yamal’s already wild career trajectory into the stratosphere.
The game could truly go either way. Spain have been the more composed and consistent side in this tournament, but Argentina have had an unstoppable desire to win. Argentina have scraped out results from nowhere against Egypt, Cape Verde and England to make this final. However, Spain has that tournament-winning experience and incredible control in the midfield that those nations did not have. Spain should be the more sound team defensively, and they have a true superstar in Rodri controlling the center of the pitch. Spain is my pick to end up lifting the World Cup trophy with a 2-1 win in regular time.
Blake’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Prediction: Spain beat Argentina 2-1
Griffin Wong
Argentina has looked to be on the ropes before pulling off miraculous late escapes in each of its knockout stage games, but this is where its run ends. Egypt, Switzerland, and England all let their compact defensive shape slip under relentless pressure, and Spain, as the defending Euros winner, is far too experienced in big tournaments to fall into that trap. Messi won’t find the space to sling crosses into the middle against Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro, the best wing-backs he’s faced this tournament, and La Roja are far more controlled in possession than any opponent the Albiceleste have faced so far. Spain has the depth, clutch, and discipline to match Argentina and considerably more talent to boot, especially in the defense.
Griffin’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Prediction: Spain beat Argentina 1-0
Charlie Cummings
Messi Magic might just be undeniable. Spain is the better side, especially in the midfield and on the back line, and they even have a top attacking star in Lamine Yamal. But this Argentine side finds a way every single game, no matter what happens. Until I see that final whistle blow, I can’t count them out. They’ll scrap their way to a title defense.
Charlie’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Prediction: Argentina beat Spain 2-1
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