Argentina has adjusted its starting eleven for the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, hoping to become the first nation to defend the title since 1962. Coach Lionel Scaloni brought Gonzalo Montiel into the right-back position, replacing Nahuel Molina. Furthermore, Rodrigo De Paul and Nico Gonzalez have been inserted into the midfield, taking the places of Leandro Paredes and Giuliano Simeone. Argentina advanced to this stage after a narrow 2-1 victory over England.
Lionel Messi, at age 39, is playing in his third final and is currently chasing Kylian Mbappe for the Golden Boot award. Meanwhile, Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente has opted for consistency, naming an identical squad to the one that defeated France in the semi-finals. Among those starting for Spain is Lamine Yamal, who could potentially secure a championship title shortly after turning 19. Spain seeks their second World Cup win, while an Argentine victory would secure their fourth overall title.
