Spain vs Argentina Confirmed Starting Lineups for World Cup Final - Sunday, July 19th
Argentina and Spain have announced their starting lineups for Sunday's 2026 FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium. Spain sticks with the same XI that carried it through the knockout stage, while Argentina tweaks its lineup by bringing Rodrigo De Paul back into the starting midfield after relying on second-half substitutions throughout much of the tournament.
Peter Alexis - July 19, 2026, 2:30 PM EDT
3 Minute ReadSpain vs Argentina Confirmed Lineups: Argentina Makes Key Swaps Ahead of World Cup Final
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final kicks off Sunday, July 19, at 3 PM ET on FOX, with Argentina looking to defend its world title against a Spain side chasing its first World Cup championship since 2010.
Spain has been the tournament's most complete team, conceding just one goal through six matches while dominating possession and controlling games from midfield. Argentina, meanwhile, has survived multiple knockout scares with dramatic second-half comebacks, but those slow starts will be much tougher to overcome against Spain's disciplined defensive structure.
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Spain vs. Argentina Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Sunday, July 19th, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- How to Watch: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
Spain vs. Argentina Betting Trends
Here are the latest betting trends for this Spain vs. Argentina match, as you try to find your favorite betting angle for the game. Powered by Oddschecker+ Trends Tool to bring you the best AI advantage for the World Cup.
Argentina Confirmed Lineup
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni is making notable adjustments for the final after frequently changing matches with late substitutions. Rodrigo De Paul returns to the starting lineup alongside Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Nico González in a four-man midfield, giving Argentina more energy and ball-winning ability from the opening whistle instead of waiting until the second half. Julián Alvarez partners Lionel Messi up front in a 4-4-2 formation, with Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico protecting Emiliano Martínez in defense.
Argentina Starting XI (4-4-2): Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico González; Lionel Messi, Julián Alvarez.
Spain Confirmed Lineup
Spain makes no changes after an outstanding semifinal performance against France. Luis de la Fuente sticks with his familiar 4-2-3-1, featuring Rodri and Fabián Ruiz controlling the midfield behind an attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Álex Baena. Mikel Oyarzabal remains the lone striker after consistently delivering in the knockout stage, while Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte anchor a defense that has allowed just one goal all tournament.
Spain Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Spain vs. Argentina Matchup Breakdown
The tactical battle will likely center on whether Argentina's midfield changes can produce offense earlier in the match. The defending champions have repeatedly waited until the final half-hour before finding another gear, but Spain's defensive record suggests those opportunities may be far more limited. If De Paul and Argentina can establish control early, Messi should have more space to operate than he has in recent matches.
Spain enters with the more consistent tournament résumé, while Argentina brings championship experience and the brilliance of Messi. The defending champions have escaped several elimination games with late heroics, but facing a Spanish side that has conceded just once all tournament presents their toughest challenge yet as both nations battle for football's biggest prize.
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