Argentina, Spain Name Starting XIs for 2026 World Cup Final

Argentina and Spain have confirmed their starting line-ups ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between the defending champions and the reigning European champions.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni made three changes to the side that defeated England in the semi-finals, while Spain manager Luis de la Fuente retained the same starting eleven that overcame France. 

Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez starts in goal for Argentina, with Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico forming the defensive line.

The midfield features Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Nico González, while captain Lionel Messi partners Julián Álvarez in attack.

Argentina’s starting XI is: Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico González; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez. 

Spain, meanwhile, have kept faith with the side that booked their place in the final after defeating France.

Unai Simón continues in goal behind a defence of Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella.

Captain Rodri and Fabián Ruiz anchor the midfield, while Álex Baena, Dani Olmo and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal provide attacking support behind striker Mikel Oyarzabal.

Spain’s starting XI is: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Álex Baena, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal; Mikel Oyarzabal. 

Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey pits two unbeaten teams against each other in the tournament. Argentina are aiming to retain the World Cup title they won in Qatar four years ago and claim a fourth global crown, while Spain are chasing a second FIFA World Cup triumph after their maiden success in 2010. 

The match also carries significant individual storylines, with Messi seeking another World Cup triumph in what could be his final appearance at the tournament, while Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal looks to cap a remarkable campaign by helping his country reclaim football’s biggest prize.