Argentina and Spain name starting XI for World Cup final

Argentina and Spain have named their starting lineups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States. The defending champions, Argentina, will be led by captain Lionel Messi as they seek a second consecutive title, while Spain aims to win the tournament for the first time since 2010.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni made three changes from the side that defeated England 2-1 in the semifinals. Gonzalo Montiel starts at right back, Rodrigo De Paul returns to the midfield, and Nicolas Gonzalez comes in on the wing. They replace Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, and Giuliano Simeone. Messi will partner Julian Alvarez in attack, with Emiliano Martinez in goal. The defense consists of Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico, while the midfield is completed by De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente named an unchanged starting eleven from the team that secured a 2-0 victory over France in the other semifinal. Unai Simon will start in goal, protected by a back four of Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella. Rodri and Fabian...