It’s hard to imagine, but the 2026 World Cup wraps up this Sunday with an exhilarating finale as Argentina takes on Spain in a captivating tactical battle for the ultimate accolade in football.
MORE — Preview of Argentina vs Spain | List of World Cup winners | Golden Boot race
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At this stage in the tournament, both teams have clearly defined objectives, although there will still be a few tactical choices for the managers tailored to the matchup on Sunday.
For example, will Lionel Scaloni stick with his proven choice, Rodrigo De Paul, to solidify the midfield, or opt for the faster and more offensive Giuliano Simeone? De Paul has been featured in five of Argentina’s first six matches, taking a break in the last group stage game after securing victories in the first two. Selecting Simeone against England was unexpected, but perhaps Scaloni aimed to counteract England’s left side by utilizing Messi and Simeone, who created an overload against Djed Spence and Anthony Gordon. While this isn’t a direct comparison, it’s worth noting that England scored during Simeone’s time on the field, while Argentina found the net after De Paul was substituted in during the 72nd minute.
Conversely, will Luis de la Fuente continue with Alex Baena on the left flank or take a gamble by starting Nico Williams, who could have been a starter had he not faced thigh and groin injuries before the tournament? Although he has only accumulated 63 minutes on the pitch so far, his direct attacking play poses a substantial threat to Argentina’s resolute (if not the swiftest) defense, which has yielded at least one goal in every knockout round.
Argentina’s Predicted Starting XI vs Spain
— E. Martinez —
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— Molina — Romero — L. Martinez — Tagliafico —
— Paredes —
— De Paul — Fernandez — Mac Allister —
— Messi — Alvarez —
Spain’s Predicted Starting XI vs Argentina
— Oyarzabal —
— Ruiz — Rodri —
— Cucurella — Laporte — Cubarsi — Porro —
— Simon —