Former Premier League star Alan Shearer has offered his prediction for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, which will see Argentina face off against Spain. The match is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at the New York New Jersey Stadium, featuring managers Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente.
Shearer acknowledged the difficulty of choosing a winner but ultimately gave the edge to the Argentine squad led by Lionel Messi. While he lauded Spain for their exceptional ball control and tactical dominance, he suggested that Argentina’s mental toughness would be the deciding factor. He highlighted their capacity to recover from deficits, citing comeback victories against Egypt and England earlier in the tournament as proof of their fighting spirit.
Reflecting on Spain’s journey, Shearer noted their inconsistency, referencing their shaky opener against Cape Verde alongside their impressive 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals. Nevertheless, he stressed that having a talent like Messi provides Argentina with a distinct advantage. Argentina currently holds a historical 1-0 record against Spain, having won their only previous meeting in 1966 with a score of 2-1. Spain enters this final boasting an unbeaten streak of 37 matches.
