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The 2026 World Cup reaches its conclusion on Sunday evening as Spain and Argentina meet at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford with footballs biggest prize on the line. It is the first-ever mens World Cup final between the reigning European and South American champions, with Spain chasing a second world title and Argentina looking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.After recovering from an opening draw with Cape Verde, Luis de la Fuentes side have swept past Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France to establish themselves as deserved favourites.While much of the attention has centred on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Spains defensive record has arguably been even more impressive.La Roja have conceded just one goal throughout the tournament and completely nullified Frances star-studded attack in a commanding 2-0 semi-final win.Mikel Oyarzabal has led the line superbly, Pedro Porro has emerged as one of the tournaments standout performers from right-back, while Rodri continues to dictate games from midfield.Victory on Sunday would complete one of the greatest international campaigns in modern history, adding the World Cup to the European Championship they lifted in 2024.Argentina, though, know exactly what it takes to win on the biggest stage.Lionel Scalonis side have won every match on their route to the final, overcoming Mexico, Japan and Paraguay in the group stage before eliminating Brazil, England and Colombia in the knockout rounds.Their 3-2 semi-final win over England showcased the resilience that has defined this generation, recovering from an early deficit before Lionel Messi inspired another comeback.The reigning world champions have been devastating going forward, scoring more goals than any other side at the tournament, with Messi and Julian Alvarez combining brilliantly throughout the knockout rounds.Defensively, they have looked more vulnerable than Spain, but Argentina have repeatedly found a way to outscore opponents when it has mattered most.Table of ContentsTeam news for Spain vs ArgentinaExpected line-ups for Spain vs ArgentinaWhere to watch Spain vs Argentina: TV channel, online live streamSpain vs Argentina statsPrediction for Spain vs ArgentinaResponsible GamblingTeam news for Spain vs ArgentinaSpain have no major injury concerns ahead of the final.Yamal and Porro both managed minor fitness issues following the semi-final victory over France, but neither problem is expected to prevent them from starting.De la Fuente is likely to stick with the side that has guided Spain through the knockout rounds, with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz anchoring midfield behind an attacking quartet led by Oyarzabal.Argentina also have a near fully-fit squad available.Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes recovered from minor knocks to feature against England and are expected to retain their places.Rodrigo De Paul is pushing to return to the starting XI after making an impact from the bench, while Messi and Alvarez will once again spearhead the attack as Argentina chase back-to-back World Cup titles.Expected line-ups for Spain vs ArgentinaSpain starting XI: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; OyarzabalArgentina starting XI: Emiliano Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, AlvarezWhere to watch Spain vs Argentina: TV channel, online live streamThe match takes place on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, with kick-off at 8pm BST.In the UK, the 2026 World Cup final will be shown live on BBC One and ITV1, with live streaming available via BBC iPlayer and ITVX.Spain vs Argentina statsLa Roja have conceded just one goal throughout the tournament and have kept six clean sheetsSpain eliminated Portugal, Belgium and France in the knockout roundsMikel Oyarzabal has scored five goals during the tournamentSpain have allowed the fewest goals of any team at the 2026 World CupArgentina have won all seven of their matches on the way to the finalThe reigning champions have scored a tournament-high 19 goals, averaging 2.7 per gameArgentina have scored at least twice in every knockout matchThis is Argentinas second consecutive World Cup final and Spains first since lifting the trophy in 2010Prediction for Spain vs ArgentinaArgentina have repeatedly demonstrated why they are reigning world champions, but Spain have looked like the most complete team in the competition from the group stage through to the semi-finals.Their defensive organisation has been exceptional, while they possess enough creativity through Yamal, Olmo and Oyarzabal to break down even the strongest opponents. Expect a closely contested final, but Spains balance at both ends of the pitch could prove to be the difference as they lift the World Cup for a second time.Prediction: Spain 2-1 ArgentinaResponsible GamblingGambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)GamCare: www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware: gambleaware.orgGamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion service)Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. 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