As Spain and Argentina prepare to meet in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium, attention will not only be on the two teams but also on several individual contests that could shape the outcome of football’s biggest match.
Sporting Tribune has highlighted three key battles that could determine who lifts the trophy when the tournament concludes.
Laporte faces Messi test
Spain defender, Aymeric Laporte, is expected to have one of the toughest assignments of the final as he attempts to contain Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
Messi, who turned 39 earlier this month, has remained Argentina’s driving force throughout the tournament.
He leads the adidas Golden Boot race with eight goals, has provided four assists and became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer during the competition.
The Inter Miami forward was instrumental in Argentina’s dramatic semi-final comeback against England, setting up two goals before his side secured a place in the final.
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Spain, however, arrive with one of the tournament’s strongest defensive records. Laporte and teenage centre-back Pau Cubarsi have anchored a defence that has conceded only one goal in seven matches.
Midfield battle between Rodri and Fernandez
Another decisive contest is expected in midfield, where Spain captain Rodri and Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez will compete for control of possession.
Rodri has been one of the tournament’s standout performers, completing a competition-high 648 passes with an accuracy rate of 93 per cent.
He also leads the tournament in total distance covered and ranks first in FIFA’s defensive performance metrics.
Fernandez, winner of the FIFA Young Player Award at the 2022 World Cup, has again played a crucial role for Argentina.
The Chelsea midfielder has forced more turnovers than any of his teammates and has also delivered in attack, scoring against Egypt in the Round of 16 before netting a late equaliser against England in the semi-final.
Whoever gains the upper hand in midfield could dictate the rhythm of Sunday’s contest.
Yamal against experienced Tagliafico
Spain winger Lamine Yamal will also be under the spotlight as he faces Argentina left-back Nicolas Tagliafico.
The Barcelona teenager has grown into the tournament after recovering from a hamstring injury before the World Cup. His pace and dribbling won the penalty that helped Spain defeat France in the semi-finals, while his creativity has placed him among the tournament’s leading attacking players.
Standing in his way will be veteran defender Tagliafico, who was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad.
The 33-year-old Lyon full-back has earned more than 80 international caps and brings valuable experience from previous World Cup campaigns, including playing the full 120 minutes of Argentina’s triumph over France in the 2022 final.
His ability to neutralise Yamal’s attacking threat could prove critical for the defending champions.
Showdown
Spain are aiming to win their second FIFA World Cup after their maiden triumph in 2010, while Argentina are seeking to retain the title they won in Qatar four years ago.
With two of the tournament’s best teams set to meet, Sporting Tribune expects the individual contests across the pitch to play a decisive role in determining who will be crowned 2026 world champions.
(FIFA)
