The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is just around the corner and the predictions are coming in fast.
Spain, the reigning European champions, are hoping for their second world title 16 years after their first triumph in South Africa. But standing in their way is Argentina, the South American giant aiming to become the third country to win back-to-back World Cup titles.
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Statistical provider Opta predicts Spain are favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 59.56 percent chance of lifting the trophy in New Jersey. La Roja is also selected by several former players and experts.
Former England striker Michael Owen said world number two Spain were a “deserved” winner of the tournament.
“Spain doesn’t have the greatest individual players, I think France probably does… but Spain as a team is everything that England isn’t – they are brave and brave on the ball,” Owen told The Straits Times.
“Spain are just a great team who pass the ball with confidence and play amazing football together.”
Spain, the reigning European champions, are hoping to add a second world title to their trophy cabinet (File: Mauro Pimentel/AFP)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the former Barcelona and Manchester United striker who represented Sweden at two World Cups, expects Spain to dominate the final, which comes two years after their Euro 2024 triumph.
Spain did very well against France (in the semi-finals). I believe they will cope with this situation, Argentina,” said Zlatan, now a pundit for American broadcaster Fox Sports.
“Argentina are not a counter-attacking team. Spain will do their thing. They will play collectively… I believe Spain will dominate this game.”
Spain were also favorites for John Terry’s glory, with the former England captain telling Sports Uncensored that Luis de la Fuente’s side “got too much for Argentina”.
Former goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Spain’s captain during their first World Cup triumph in 2010, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bring home a second goal, sharing a photo of another star embroidered halfway across the top of their badge.
A star represents each World Cup the team has won.
(Translation: Why not?)
While much of the consensus is centered around a Spanish win, some believe Argentina have a chance, even if it’s slim.
Alan Shearer, one of England’s greatest strikers of all time, backed the reigning champions, telling The Rest is Football podcast: “If there’s one team that can stop them (Spain), it’s Argentina because of their mentality and togetherness.
“They lost so many times and got into trouble, but somehow they managed to win. That’s what you admire about them.”
“When you have a genius on your side,” he added, referring to Messi, “you always have a chance.”
But how can Argentina beat favorites Spain for the title?
English football expert Micah Richards believes the answer to this question is low blocking – a strategy in which teams sit closest to their own goal and, after winning the ball, quickly switch from a compact defensive shape to an offensive counter-attack.
“Give the ball to Messi and (Julian) Alvarez or (Lautaro) Martinez will just do it horribly, do it like they did against England,” he added.
“I think Argentina need to stay in the game like they did against England and turn it on when they see the momentum change.”
Can Lionel Messi (centre) lead Argentina to a fourth World Cup victory (Handout/Michael Regan/FIFA via Getty)
Meanwhile, another England great, Gary Lineker, stuck with his pre-tournament pick Spain, but added that Argentina are “so solid” that it makes predictions a very difficult choice.
“You can’t go against this little guy (Messi). He’s so great; it will be very, very close. It’s really 50-50.”
Unlike others, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani refused to pick sides.
“Everyone I root for lost,” he said with a laugh. “So I feel that whoever I say will lose at this point.
“I’ll say the classic politician’s answer: I’m glad to have a good game.”