16 Jul 2026 | Sportsbetting
2026 World Cup Match Day Predictions – Final
The 2026 World Cup grand finale is just around the corner: Who will claim the world’s most coveted title? Our matchday predictions offer exciting World Cup picks!
approx. 3 min.
2026 World Cup Match Day Predictions – Final
The grand finale of the 2026 World Cup is just around the corner. On Sunday evening, the golden trophy will be up for grabs at MetLife Stadium: Spain vs. Argentina! Defending champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, faces the reigning European champion and its young superstar, Lamine Yamal. Both World Cup contenders come from the same soccer academy: FC Barcelona. Spain is aiming to win its first World Cup title since 2010, while Argentina seeks to defend the title it won in Qatar in 2022.
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Merkur World Cup Pick: The Final in Detail
Sunday evening at MetLife Stadium: Argentina and Spain face off in the World Cup final. The defending champion takes on the reigning European champion, which is having its best World Cup tournament since winning the title in 2010.
Argentina’s path to the final reads like a four-act drama: a 3-2 win over Cape Verde in extra time, a 3-2 win over Egypt after trailing 0-2, a 3-1 win over Switzerland in extra time, and a 2-1 win over England thanks to two late assists from Messi to Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez. In total, Scaloni’s team has scored 19 goals, a record for a team at a World Cup in the 21st century.
Spain presents itself as the polar opposite: compact, disciplined, and clinical. The reigning European champions have conceded just one goal throughout the entire tournament and have confidently eliminated Portugal, Belgium, and World Cup favorite France (2–0 in the semifinals).
All eyes are on the intergenerational showdown: Lionel Messi (39) faces Lamine Yamal (19). Both began their professional careers at FC Barcelona, and now they’re going head-to-head in the World Cup final. For Messi, a second title would be the crowning achievement of an unprecedented career.
The key tactical battle is likely to take place on the right side: Yamal versus Argentina’s left back, Tagliafico. Whoever wins this duel will have a good chance of dictating the pace of the game.
Prediction: On paper, Spain is the slight favorite. But Argentina has proven in this tournament that being the favorite doesn't mean much when Messi is playing. It's quite possible that the game won't be decided until extra time or a penalty shootout.
