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The 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 is now down to one match: Spain vs. Argentina.
It is difficult to say that the European champions are the first team in the world to take on the South American champions and the World Cup holders are not the finalists.
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France went into the tournament as favourites, while England looked to have the best chance since winning 60 years ago.
However, there are many to choose from when it comes to the latter, so Al Jazeera does exactly that:
Argentina – World Cup holders and South American champions
A look back at the World Cup: 18
Best practice: Winners (1978, 1986, 2022)
First appearance: 1930 (Uruguay)
Full World Cup history: P94 W53 D17 L24 F171 A103
FIFA World Cup: 3
In summary: If their 2022 campaign in Qatar got off to a shocking start, with a defeat to Saudi Arabia, then Argentina’s 2026 campaign may seem like a flight in comparison.
The truth, however, is that this has been far from Argentina’s vintage, especially with Lionel Messi still the pivot of the team. The 39-year-old is, so the title defense continues.
The last side to win back-to-back World Cups was Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Italy also retained the title, so it’s a very short list that Argentina wants to join.
Power: Look no further than Messi for Argentina’s clear and unmatched – at least in this tournament – power. The Inter Miami player should win the Golden Boot with eight goals. The three central defenders occupying the front of the back line: Enzo Fernandes, Alexis Mac Allister and Paredes, have been seen as boosters of competition, protecting Messi in the same way as the back line; they have also been compared to the personal bodyguards of Argentine mythology.
Weaknesses: Due to the heavy reliance on Messi, Argentina’s weakness should be their ability to replace their main man. If Messi is injured, Argentina’s problems – already huge – could continue. They have speed and guile in Giuliano Simeone and Julian Alvarez, and goals in Lautaro Martinez; they are also strong in their defense and hold the midfielders, but do they have the spark without Messi? In fact, no team at the 2026 World Cup relied heavily on one player.
Control form: Argentina have not lost a match since they were beaten 1-0 by Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup final. Since then, the South American champions have won 14 games.
The Argentines conceded eight goals as they swept the group stage of the World Cup, losing only once – in their last game against Jordan when they had already qualified for the 32 tournament.
The knockouts have been tough, with 3-2 wins recorded in the round of 32 and last 16, against Cape Verde and Egypt, respectively.
Their progress from the quarterfinals was secured with a 3-1 victory against Switzerland, but the game – like Cape Verde’s victory – required extra time.
The 2-1 semifinal win against England marked the second turning point of the tournament, after trailing Egypt 2-0 with 11 minutes of 90 remaining.
Players to watch: Not only did Argentina throw in the kitchen for England, but they also threw in the bulk of their attacking talent who started on the bench.
Along with Lautaro Martinez, coach Lionel Scaloni threw in Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolas Gonzalez. Even if Messi cannot be replaced, the Argentines will need more resources around him if they are to succeed.
At the other end, Lisandro Martinez is still the big man at the heart of the defense.
Spain – champions of Europe and the number one team in the world
A look back at the World Cup: 17
Best finish: Winners (2010)
Full World Cup history: P74 W37 D18 L19 F121 A76
FIFA Ranking: 1
Summary: Spain
Spain have recovered from two poor World Cup campaigns – failing to reach the quarterfinals in the last two – to have the chance to become reigning European and World champions once again.
The Spaniards lifted the world title for the only time in their history in 2014, two years after their first crown.
Their first official FIFA entry into the tournament is a huge step forward based on success at Euro 2024.
Power: Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who are now 19 and 24 years old, respectively, were the stars that won Spain in 2024, but did not make it to the World Cup.
Yamal’s fitness going into the tournament was a concern, as he missed the end of the season in Spain due to injury, while Williams often came to the North American bench.
As much as Argentina’s defense has been praised, Spain have only scored one goal in the game so far. Their national institutions, whether collective or international, are often anything but abstract.
The fast, passing game “Tiki-taki” started in Spain during the time of Pep Guardiola and Barcelona – ironically, when Messi led the Catalan team and was the main reason for his success.
The Spaniards will also look to their attacking play to win the day, with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz acting as central midfielders.
Weaknesses: As in many aspects of life, strength can also be weakness. Where questions are asked about Spain in this magazine, it is usually around pedestrians.
The short passing game is still there, but it wasn’t as quick and effective this time, especially against a low block – something he’ll face against Argentina.
Many teams have done this against Spain so far, with Cape Verde, Uruguay, Portugal and Belgium all making life very difficult. The neutrals are hoping for Spain’s first goal, so bring the Argentines to play.
Control form: The opening match of the tournament was against Cape Verde, and the 0-0 draw by the African debutants was widely regarded as one of the most surprising World Cup performances.
A much-needed win against Saudi Arabia followed, and with a 4-0 lead, a narrow 1-0 win against Uruguay saw Spain top the group.
Austria was eliminated 3-0 in the last 32, but then big tests against Portugal and Belgium. They weren’t easily swayed, with winning streaks of one goal, but it was still a win.
The final test in this edition, for all the teams hoping to lift the trophy, was France – it was difficult for Spain to win with flying colours.
Spain have not tasted defeat in 37 matches, starting with a 1-0 comeback in international matches against Colombia in March 2024.
Their last competitive defeat came against Scotland in a Euro 2024 qualifier in March 2023.
Players to watch: Yamal scored only once in this edition, the expulsion of Saudi Arabia, while their other star, Williams, never did.
It feels like something special has to come from one of them, even if it’s too late, as Messi showed late to save Argentina earlier.
The big question in the final game is whether one of the featured megastars will shine, and in doing so they will leave their mark forever.
It’s hard to imagine this tournament going by without Yamal making something memorable. The striker secured a second consecutive La Liga title with Barcelona this season and was named Player of the Season.
Both teams will happily win 1-0, if that’s what it takes. Expectants around the world will expect something different.
