Argentina and Spain have confirmed their starting line-ups for Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States.
Both national teams released their starting XIs on their official X accounts less than two hours before kick-off, scheduled for 8 p.m. WAT.
Defending champions Argentina will once again rely on captain Lionel Messi, who starts alongside Julián Álvarez in attack as La Albiceleste seek to retain the World Cup for the first time since Brazil successfully defended the title in 1962.
Goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez keeps his place behind a defence of Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico.
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The midfield comprises Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Nico González.
Argentina starting XI: Dibu Martínez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, Nico González; Messi, Julián Álvarez.
Spain have also retained their trusted core, with Unai Simón starting in goal behind defenders Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella.
Midfielders Rodri and Fabián Ruiz will provide stability, while Álex Baena, Dani Olmo and teenage star Lamine Yamal support striker Mikel Oyarzabal in attack.
Spain starting XI: Unai Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Álex Baena, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal; Oyarzabal.
The final brings together two unbeaten teams, as Argentina are aiming to become back-to-back world champions, while Spain are chasing their second FIFA World Cup title after their triumph in South Africa in 2010.
Messi is seeking to add another World Cup trophy to his illustrious career, while 19-year-old Yamal hopes to cap his breakthrough tournament by helping Spain reclaim football’s biggest prize.
