Spain vs Argentina Tips, Odds & Prediction for World Cup 2026

* Odds from Betway, accurate at the time of writing.

Spain face Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, kicking off at 21:00 CAT on Sunday. Luis de la Fuente's Spain come in as the possession-loving European champions, built around Pedri, Rodri and the electric Lamine Yamal, while Lionel Scaloni's holders rely on the brilliance of Lionel Messi and the clinical finishing of Julian Alvarez. BettingTop10 South Africa has been looking forward to this final ever since the draw was done. You can find all our World Cup betting tips in our dedicated section.

Spain

Spain have been among the most entertaining teams at the tournament, controlling the ball through Pedri and Rodri and pulling defences apart with Lamine Yamal, and they beat France 2-0 in a composed semi-final. Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro got the goals in Dallas, and I think de la Fuente's control of midfield is the base for everything they do. Fermin Lopez is the only big absence after foot surgery ruled him out, but they have coped without him so far. As I see it, if Spain hold possession the way they have all tournament, they can run the final and win their second World Cup.

Expected Lineup: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri; Olmo, Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena.

Argentina

Argentina have looked every bit the reigning champions, grinding out wins when it counts, most recently scoring twice late on to beat England 2-1 and reach back-to-back finals. Lionel Messi is still the conductor and has recovered from an earlier hamstring scare to lead the team, while Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez supply the finishing and Enzo Fernandez powers the midfield. I think Scaloni's mix of big-match experience and a strong midfield makes them very dangerous, even against a defence as good as Spain's. I see Argentina sitting slightly deeper and trying to hurt Spain on the break through Messi and Alvarez.

Expected Lineup: E. Martinez; Molina, L. Martinez, Romero, Tagliafico; Fernandez, Mac Allister, Paredes, Simeone; Messi, Alvarez.

Everything points to a tense, tactical final between one of the world's best passing teams and one of its most experienced. I think Spain will have most of the ball, but with Argentina's discipline and Messi's class, clear chances will be hard to come by, so I lean towards a low scoring game that Spain narrowly win. One moment of brilliance from Yamal or Oyarzabal might decide it. My forecast: Spain 1 Argentina 0.

Under 2.5 Goals (1.62)

My pick is Under 2.5 Goals at 1.62, as I believe World Cup finals are nearly always tense, low-scoring games where neither team wants to blink first. Spain will keep the ball patiently while Argentina sit deep and choose their moments, and that kind of game seldom brings a rush of goals. I see a close final won by one goal or decided late.