Spain vs Argentina prediction: 2026 World Cup final betting tips, preview and best odds

Spain vs Argentina betting tips: BTTS and Spain to win - 9/2 Midnite Messi to score - 13/8 Midnite It’s the European champions versus the current world champions in Sunday’s World Cup final when Spain take on Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (kick-off 8 pm, live on ITV1 and BBC One). Spain upset the odds when they knocked out the standout favourites France in the semi-finals, with a convincing 2-0 win, while Argentina broke England’s hearts as they came from behind again to win 2-1 in Atlanta. Luis de la Fuente’s side have been installed by the UK betting sites as the favourites to secure only their second World Cup win and first since 2010. A win for La Albiceleste would make them the first side to retain the trophy since 1962 when Brazil followed up their win in Sweden by beating Czechoslovakia 3-1 in the final in Chile. With so much riding on this one for both teams, it has the potential to be a classic, but I’m not sure we’ll see a repeat of the 3-3 played out by Argentina and France four years ago before the final was settled by penalties. Spain vs Argentina tips: Spain set for world domination Argentina have come from behind twice in the knockout stages to reach their seventh final, but in Spain they face a side who have conceded just once so far in the competition. That came in their quarter-final win over Belgium, and they showed against France exactly how to manage a match after taking the lead on 22 minutes. They dominated possession and limited France to just three shots on target, while they had two shots on target and scored twice Meanwhile, Lionel Scaloni’s side came from 2-0 down against Egypt to win 3-2 and from a goal down to beat England last time out, but they can’t rely on leaving it late again. They have needed extra time twice, against Cape Verde and Switzerland and scored winners in added time against both Egypt and England, and I think their luck is about to run out against a Spain side who are unbeaten in 37 games if you discount the penalty shootout defeat to Portugal in the Nations League final. The two sides have only met once before at the World Cup, way back in 1966 when they were drawn together in Group 2. It was the South American side who came out on top in a 2-1 win on that occasion. Football betting sites are offering 5/4 on Spain winning in normal time and I think they will, but I’m going to boost those odds by backing Argentina to make a game of it by finding the net at least. Spain vs Argentina prediction 1: BTTS and Spain to win - 9/2 Midnite Spain vs Argentina prediction: Messi to secure the Golden Boot Lionel Messi is currently in a two-horse race to the Golden Boot with France striker Kylian Mbappe for the second World Cup in a row. This time around, he is leading the way with both players in action one more time, and all he has to do it equal what the Frenchman does in the third-place play-off match with England, and he will win the Golden Boot for the first time. He was the runner-up to Mbappe in Qatar, scoring seven goals, and he already has one more this time around, with both players currently tied on eight, but the Argentine has one more assist, thanks to the two he made against England in the semi-final. He is the favourite with the betting sites for the race for the Golden Boot at odds of 11/10, but he has gone two games without a goal, on the back of a seven-game scoring run for his country, which saw him net 10 times. Betting apps are offering 13/8 on him scoring within 90 minutes on Sunday, or you can get 23/5 on him scoring first as he did against Algeria, Austria and Cape Verde. My money is on him to score at any stage in normal time. Spain vs Argentina prediction 2: Messi to score in 90 mins - 13/8 Midnite Spain vs Argentina t eam news Spain: Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro are expected to be fit despite missing training ahead of Sunday’s clash, muscle fatigue has been given as the explanation rather than injury. Argentina: Lautaro Martinez is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench again despite being the hero against England when he scored the winner 11 minutes after coming on in Atlanta, as Scaloni looks set to name an unchanged side. Spain vs Argentina head-to-head record Spain 6-1 Argentina (Mar 2018, Friendly) Argentina 4-1 Spain (Sep 2010, Friendly) Spain 2-1 Argentina (Nov 2009, Friendly) Spain 2-1 Argentina (Oct 2006, Friendly) Spain 0-2 Argentina (Nov, 1999, Friendly) Key stat: Their only World Cup meeting came in 1966, when Argentina edged Spain 2-1 in the group stage - meaning Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium will be the first time these sides have ever met in a World Cup knockout match. Spain vs Argentina form guide Spain Date Fixture 27/06/2026 Uruguay 0-1 Spain (World Cup) 02/07/2026 Spain 3-0 Austria (World Cup) 06/07/2026 Portugal 0-1 Spain (World Cup) 10/07/2026 Spain 2-1 Belgium (World Cup) 14/07/2026 France 0-2 Spain (World Cup) Argentina Date Fixture 22/06/2026 Argentina 2-0 Austria (World Cup) 28/06/2026 Jordan 1-3 Argentina (World Cup) 03/07/2026 Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (World Cup) 07/07/2026 Argentina 3-2 Egypt (World Cup) 12/07/2026 Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (World Cup) 15/07/2026 England 1-2 Argentina (World Cup) Responsible gambling If you're planning on having a bet on the 2026 World Cup final, it's vital to practice responsible gambling. Betting can be addictive, and it's important to stay in control of your gambling, whether you're using betting sites, online casino sites , UK slot sites or any other gambling platform. Never treat gambling as a way to make money; never bet more than you can afford and when the fun stops, stop. Gambling sites offer punters tools, like deposit limits, profit and loss trackers and self-exclusion options, to help you stay in control. Try not to get carried away by betting offers or casino bonuses , which are widely available on gambling apps. But if you ever feel like you need help or advice on gambling addiction, don't hesitate to contact one of the charities or organisations below. Gamblers Anonymous NHS GamCare GambleAware We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.