The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, July 19 between Argentina and Spain. This is the biggest match of the tournament and the first time these two teams have ever met in a World Cup final. Argentina will play in the final after a dramatic 2-1 semifinal win over England in Atlanta.
The Argentina team depended most on Enzo Fernandez, Lautaro Martinez, and Lionel Messi. Spain had a great run in this World Cup. They concede only one goal in this world. They beat France by 2-0 and fixed their spot in the Finals.
In this article, we mention the top 5 players who can perform well in this FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
| Rank | Player | Team | Why to Watch |
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | At 39, playing in what is likely his last World Cup, and still delivering when it matters most. |
| 2 | Lamine Yamal | Spain | The 19-year-old is Spain’s biggest attacking threat and keeps stepping up in big moments. |
| 3 | Enzo Fernandez | Argentina | Scored the equalizer against England and controls the tempo of Argentina’s midfield. |
| 4 | Pedri | Spain | Spain’s calm head in midfield, always finding the right pass under pressure. |
| 5 | Marc Cucurella | Spain | Solid at the back and dangerous going forward, with two assists already this tournament. |
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi is playing his last FIFA World Cup and he is still playing like he is in his prime. In the semifinal against England he did not score any goals, but his dribbling and his passes were the main thing in that match. He gets 2 assists in that match. First for Enzo Ferandez and then for Lautaro Martinez.
That is what messi does. Even with his team struggling, he finds any way to create something out of nothing. Every Argentine fan wants him to lift the trophy one more time in the final against spain.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Lamine Yamal is only 19 but is already carrying Spain on football’s biggest stage. He won the foul for Spain’s opening penalty in the semi-final against France and his pace and skill on the right wing were a problem all night. He hasn’t scored a bucketload of goals in this tournament, but his impact is greater than just on the scoresheet. He pulls the defenders out of position and creates space for his teammates. This game is special because Messi and Yamal will be on the same pitch for the first time in their international careers in the final.
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
Enzo Fernandez is running the Argentinian midfield in this World Cup. Against England he scored the crucial equaliser in the 85th minute from a Messi pass, proving once again that he can decide a game when his team needs him most. He sets the tempo, picks the right pass and isn’t afraid to go forward if the situation demands it. Spain have a strong midfield and Enzo Fernandez will need to be at his best to give Argentina control in the middle of the park.
Pedri (Spain)
Pedri is the heartbeat of Spain’s possession game. Against France, he helped Spain dominate the ball and kept things calm even when the pressure was on. He rarely wastes a pass and always seems to find space even in tight areas. His vision allows Spain to build attacks patiently and wear teams down. Against Argentina’s midfield, Pedri’s composure on the ball will be key to Spain controlling the tempo of the final.
Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Marc Cucurella has been absolutely rock solid for Spain all tournament, both defensively and going forward. He has two assists already in this World Cup and has been a constant outlet down the left. He was part of a defense that almost completely shut down Mbappe and company against France. He will have a big task in the final of helping contain Argentina’s attackers but still looking to get forward when the opportunity arises.
Also Read: France vs England Prediction, Preview, Team News and Expected Lineups
