Agencies | New Jersey:
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 final fast approaching, football experts, former players and pundits have weighed in with their predictions, with Spain emerging as the favourites to lift the coveted trophy against defending champions Argentina.
Spain, the reigning European champions, are aiming to win their second FIFA World Cup title, 16 years after their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010. Standing in their way is Argentina, the defending champions, who are seeking to become only the third nation in history to retain the World Cup.
According to football statistics provider Opta, Spain have a 59.56 per cent probability of winning the final, making Luis de la Fuente’s side the favourites to claim the title.
Former England striker Michael Owen believes Spain deserve to be favourites, praising their collective style of play.
“Spain may not have the greatest individual players, but as a team they are fearless with the ball, technically brilliant and play outstanding football as a unit,” Owen said.
Former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimović also backed Spain, saying their dominant display against France in the semifinals showed they have what it takes to overcome Argentina.
“Spain are going to play their football collectively. I believe they will dominate the final,” Zlatan said.
Former England captain John Terry echoed that sentiment, saying Spain possess too much quality for Argentina, while former Spain goalkeeper and World Cup-winning captain Iker Casillas expressed confidence that La Roja can add a second star to their jersey.
Despite the widespread support for Spain, several football greats believe Argentina remain capable of producing another memorable performance.
Former England captain Alan Shearer said Argentina’s resilience, unity and winning mentality make them dangerous opponents.
“If there’s one team capable of stopping Spain, it’s Argentina. They’ve repeatedly found ways to win difficult matches, and when you have a player like Lionel Messi, you always have a chance,” Shearer said.
Former England defender Micah Richards believes Argentina’s best route to victory lies in disciplined defending and quick counterattacks, with Messi orchestrating attacks and forwards Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez exploiting spaces in transition.
Gary Lineker also acknowledged Spain’s quality but refused to discount Argentina.
“Spain have been my pick from the start, but Argentina are incredibly resilient. With Messi in their side, it’s impossible to write them off. It could easily go either way,” Lineker said.
The highly anticipated final promises a fascinating contest between Spain’s possession-based attacking football and Argentina’s resilience, tactical discipline and experience, with both nations aiming to etch another chapter in World Cup history.
