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The 2026 FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina may not feature the depth of stars that a final between France and England would, but make no mistake: the quality is there with the two finalists, as the two semi-final losers learned.
That quality starts at the top with Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, two superstars separated by 20 years, but it doesn’t end there. Here’s our combined XI for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalie
Spain has shown incredible defensive stability throughout this World Cup, and their goalkeeper Unai Simón has played a big role in that, conceding just one goal as Spain’s number one.
But even though Simón concedes fewer goals than Emiliano Martínez, Martínez gets the nod because of his pedigree and big moments. He has been fundamental for Argentina to win two Copa Américas and a World Cup, standing out in key moments and in multiple penalty shootouts.
Vedict: Emiliano Martínez
Right back
Pedro Porro has really burst onto the scene in this tournament. He came to the World Cup after a relatively inconsistent season with Tottenham, who had a poor season as a club, but Porro has played incredibly well for Spain.
He has been solid defensively and at the same time has had a presence in attack. For this reason, he gets the approval over the more experienced Nahuel Molina.
Verdict: Pedro Porro
Right central defense
Cristian Romero surpasses Pau Cubarsí for his importance in the Argentine defense and for his great performance in crucial moments.
Romero took advantage of the end of a header that was deflected by a Cape Verde player to score the winner in the round of 32, and also played a huge role in Argentina’s path to the final.
Cubarsí has been wonderful in his first major international tournament, but Romero’s experience, advantage and knowledge take him over the line.
Verdict: Cristian Romero
Left center back
Aymeric Laporte has been a fundamental player at the back, anchoring a defensive line that has only conceded one goal in this tournament. He has brought experience alongside the inexperienced Pau Cubarsí, and his ability to play the ball from the back has been fundamental for Spain.
His ability to play high line while Spain presses their opponents as a unit has made him a valuable piece. He gets the nod over Lisandro Martínez, who scored an important goal against Cape Verde in extra time early in the tournament.
Aymeric Laporte verdict
Back Left
Marc Cucurella came to this tournament as one of the best left backs in the world and has continued to prove it.
With his high energy running up and down the left flank, Cucurella provides defensive stability while also being an important presence in possession. His combination play with Álex Baena on Spain’s left side has been key in how Spain controls games.
Tagliafico has been solid and brings experience, but Cucurella gets the nod.
Verdict: Marc Cucurella
Left central midfielder
Rodri has been playing his best football at this World Cup for the first time since rupturing his ACL at the start of the 2024-25 season, following his Ballon d’Or campaign in which he won the Premier League with Manchester City and the European Championship with Spain.
He has absolutely dominated the midfield, showing his composure, his ability to dictate pace and his elite football brain.
Paredes was introduced by Lionel Scaloni to provide more midfield control for Argentina as the tournament unfolded, but Rodri gets the nod as one of the best players in the world.
Verdict: Rodri
Right central midfielder
Fabián Ruiz was introduced by Luis de la Fuente as a starter against Belgium in the quarterfinals, and Spain has not looked back. He has provided more dynamism in midfield with his ability to carry the ball forward, while his work rate alongside Rodri to close spaces has been great.
Enzo Fernández only receives a slight nod. He hasn’t been at his best in this tournament while playing in a deeper role, but his pedigree and importance to Argentina still give him a slight advantage over Fabián.
Verdict: Enzo Fernández
Offensive midfielder
Dani Olmo continues to be a fundamental piece of this Spanish team, occupying the central attacking midfield position.
His complex play, his ability to make late runs and his presence around the edge of the box have been fundamental for Spain. He is not the most natural and silky number 10, but his unique qualities and general connectivity with Mikel Oyarzabal make him essential for this team.
Mac Allister is made of the right stuff. He has the ability to run into the box and be a goal threat, he is willing to do the dirty work in midfield and can carry the ball forward. But Olmo receives a slight nod.
Verdict: Dani Olmo
Left winger
Lionel Messi continues to demonstrate why he is the best player in the history of football.
He scored eight goals in this tournament and had two assists in Argentina’s late comeback against England, and he took charge of that match just as he took charge of Argentina’s late comeback against Egypt in the round of 16.
Messi looks 39 years old when he is 29.
Baena is unlucky to be compared to Messi for his role as a left back. He has had a solid tournament for Spain, giving them the ability to maintain possession, move freely and pick up different pockets. But Messi gets the go-ahead.
Verdict: Lionel Messi
Striker
Mikel Oyarzabal had a wonderful tournament for Spain, scoring five goals, including the crucial penalty that gave them the lead over France in the semi-finals.
He has been efficient and ruthless as a finisher while playing as a non-traditional number 9. He may not play like a classic striker, but he has been incredible in that role for Spain.
Julián Álvarez hasn’t had his best tournament compared to his contributions in 2022 for Argentina, but he still scored a magical goal to win Argentina’s match in the quarterfinals against Switzerland at the end of extra time.
Oyarzabal gets the go-ahead.
Verdict: Mikel Oyarzabal
Far right
Due to the imbalance between the form of Spain and Argentina playing with four midfielders, Rodrigo De Paul is compared to Lamine Yamal.
Yamal is one of the best young players we’ve ever seen and just turned 19 a day before Spain’s semi-final victory over France. He came into this World Cup recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered near the end of the club’s season with Barcelona, but has been growing steadily in this tournament.
He has only scored one goal, but his impact goes beyond statistics. His ability to create fear every time he takes the ball makes him one of the most dangerous players on the field.
Yamal gets the nod and will be the second best player in the World Cup final behind Messi.
Verdict: Lamine Yamal
Final Combined XI For Spain And Argentina
GK: Emiliano Martínez
RB: Pedro Porro
CB: Aymeric Laporte
CB: Christian Romero
pound: Marc Cucurella
CENTIMETER: Rodri
CENTIMETER: Enzo Fernandez
CAM: Dani Olmo
LW: Lionel Messi
STREET: Mikel Oyarzabal
YOU: Lamina Yamal
