Spain vs Argentina: How each team can win World Cup final 2026

Spain vs Argentina: How each team can win World Cup final 2026Key matchups, a clash of styles, Messi magic, a midfield battle and a passing of the torch could be crucial factors in the final.Reigning European champions Spain face defending world champions Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, with the Copa America holders chasing a fourth star and La Roja hunting a second.Here are five subplots that could shape the outcome:Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Kylian Mbappe breaks all-time World Cup scoring record with 22nd goallist 2 of 4Saka hat-trick helps England down France to win World Cup Bronze Finallist 3 of 4Match Preview: Spain and Argentina collide in seismic World Cup final in USlist 4 of 4Which players and teams are favourites for the FIFA World Cup 2026 awards?end of listKey matchupsLamine Yamal against Nicolas Tagliafico on Spain’s right flank is likely to be a key duel, with Argentina’s left-back needing to contain a player who has had a slow start to the tournament following an injury but is getting close to reaching his full threat potential.At the other end, Spanish defenders Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi face the unenviable task of trying to shackle Lionel Messi, a job made harder by his increasing habit of dropping deep to escape markers.Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain’s five-goal top scorer, will do battle with the combative centre-backs Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez.A clash of stylesThe final pits two contrasting footballing philosophies against one another. Spain have built their run through relentless control, conceding just once all tournament while suffocating opponents with possession and a well-drilled counter press that wins the ball back high up the pitch.Their semifinal dismantling of France, in which Kylian Mbappe barely had a sniff of goal, was the most effective execution of that approach.Argentina, by contrast, have thrived on chaos and directness, scoring more goals than any other team in the competition while conceding seven.Their route to the final has included two extra-time epics and a pair of late comebacks, showing the belief of a team that backs itself to find a way to win under the pressure.