Argentina's Starting XI Revealed for FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Against Spain
Argentina's Lineup for the World Cup Final
New York [US], July 19: Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of Argentina, has announced his starting lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where they will face Spain. This lineup sees three changes from the team that narrowly defeated England 2-1 in the semi-finals.
Returning to the starting eleven are Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul, and Nicolas Gonzalez, who replace Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, and Giuliano Simeone as Argentina aims to secure another World Cup title.
Leading the team is captain Lionel Messi, who will be joined by Julian Alvarez in the forward position, as they carry Argentina's hopes for goals in this prestigious match.
In goal, Emiliano Martinez will defend the net, supported by a backline consisting of Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico. The midfield trio includes Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez, while Nicolas Gonzalez will assist Messi and Alvarez in the attack.
Messi has previously captained Argentina in the finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2022 edition in Qatar, and he is set to lead the squad once again in the upcoming final on Sunday (local time) in the US.
In 2014, Messi's team faced numerous challenges due to injuries and ultimately lost to Germany 1-0 in the finals, according to FIFA.com. However, in 2022, he celebrated his first World Cup victory after Argentina triumphed over France in a penalty shootout at Lusail Stadium, scoring twice in the final that ended 3-3.
As the current FIFA World Cup champions, Argentina will clash with Spain, the UEFA Euro 2024 winners, in New York/New Jersey for the ultimate football accolade.
Messi has been in outstanding form throughout the tournament, netting eight goals, just two behind French captain Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot, along with four assists.
Spain, the reigning European champions, are on a quest for their first FIFA World Cup title since 2010, while Argentina aims for consecutive championships.
Argentina's thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-finals saw them overturn a first-half deficit, with Enzo Fernandez equalizing before Lautaro Martinez scored the dramatic winner in stoppage time.
Spain reached the World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 victory by defeating France 2-0 in a composed performance.
Lamine Yamal was instrumental in Spain's win, winning a penalty after dispossessing Lucas Digne, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted in the 22nd minute. Pedro Porro extended Spain's lead after halftime following a well-executed play with Dani Olmo, while France struggled to create significant opportunities.
Yamal had a goal disallowed for offside, and despite late attempts from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, Spain's defense remained resolute, achieving their sixth clean sheet in seven matches of the tournament.
Argentina's starting XI includes: Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Giuliano Simeone, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Lionel Messi, and Julian Alvarez.