Toni Kroos Predicts Spain to Triumph Over Argentina in FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

In the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, Toni Kroos has voiced his support for Spain, predicting they will triumph over Argentina. With Spain's remarkable journey to the final, including six clean sheets and an unbeaten streak, they face a resilient Argentina team aiming to defend their title. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, rich with history and narratives, as both teams vie for football's ultimate prize. Will Spain reclaim glory, or can Argentina continue their winning streak? Read on for an in-depth analysis of both teams' paths to the final.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 19, 2026, 09:47 IST

Kroos Backs Spain for World Cup Glory

Toni Kroos, the former midfielder for Germany and Real Madrid, has expressed his belief that Spain will emerge victorious in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where they will face off against the defending champions, Argentina, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey this Sunday.

As reported by Marca, Kroos, who won the FIFA World Cup in 2014, cites Spain's tactical discipline, consistency, and high performance levels as key factors that give Luis de la Fuente's team an advantage in this crucial match. Having spent ten years at Real Madrid, Kroos is familiar with Spanish football and many players on the current roster. His prediction is based on Spain's balanced squad, midfield control, and structured gameplay, which he believes have made them the standout team of the tournament.

Spain's Journey to the Final

Spain enters the final after an impressive tournament run, having conceded only one goal and becoming the first men's team in World Cup history to achieve six clean sheets in a single edition. After a surprising goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opener, La Roja bounced back with six consecutive victories, eliminating teams like Austria, Portugal, Belgium, and France to reach their first World Cup final since their 2010 title win.

Luis de la Fuente's squad is currently on a remarkable unbeaten streak of 37 matches. A win against Argentina would not only secure Spain's second World Cup title but also set a new record for the longest unbeaten streak by a European men's national team.

Argentina's Strong Title Defense

On the other hand, Argentina arrives in New Jersey with their own momentum. Under the guidance of Lionel Scaloni, they showcased their resilience in the semifinals, coming from behind to defeat England 2-1, with Enzo Fernandez equalizing and Lautaro Martinez scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

The defending champions have achieved 14 consecutive wins, matching the longest winning streak by a South American team, and are striving to be the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend their World Cup title. Argentina's path to the final has been marked by their ability to come back, often needing extra time or late goals in their knockout matches. They have also set a tournament record by scoring eight goals after the 85th minute, demonstrating their capacity to perform under pressure.

Historical Matchup

Historically, Spain and Argentina have faced each other 14 times, with both teams winning six matches and two ending in draws. Argentina won their only World Cup encounter 2-1 in 1966, while Spain claimed a dominant 6-1 victory in their last meeting, a friendly in 2018.

Kroos' endorsement adds an intriguing layer to a final filled with narratives, as he joins a growing number of football figures predicting that Spain will dethrone Argentina. Ultimately, the outcome will be determined on the field as these two football powerhouses vie for the sport's most prestigious trophy.