Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal facing off on a football pitch ahead of the World Cup final.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey is drawing closer, and football’s biggest names are placing their bets.
Spain, fresh off their Euro 2024 victory, are hunting for their second World Cup title 16 years after their debut win in South Africa.
Defending champions Argentina stand in their way, looking to become only the third nation to secure consecutive World Cup trophies.
According to sports analytics provider Opta, Spain hold a clear edge. Their data gives La Roja a 59.56 percent probability of winning the final.
Why Pundits Favor Spain
Several former players believe Spain’s tactical superiority will overwhelm the South Americans.
Former England striker Michael Owen told The Straits Times that Spain are the “deserved” winners.
“Spain haven’t got the greatest individual players, I think France probably have … but Spain as a team are everything England are not – they are brave, courageous with the ball,” Owen said. He praised their confident passing and collective brilliance.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic echoed this sentiment on Fox Sports. The former Swedish international expects Spain to dominate possession.
“Spain handled France very good. I believe they can handle this Argentina,” Ibrahimovic stated. “Argentina is not a counterattacking team. Spain are going to do their thing. They’re going to play collectively.”
Rio Ferdinand also backed La Roja, predicting a 2-1 victory fueled by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Three lions fell just short but nothing but pride for this country…
Going 2-1 Spain tomorrow!
Lamine Yamal ⚽️⚽️ https://t.co/CBw7Gxykiw— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 18, 2026
Former England captain John Terry agreed on the Sports Uncensored show, claiming manager Luis de la Fuente’s squad has “got too much for Argentina.”
Meanwhile, Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning captain, Iker Casillas, confidently shared a photo of a second championship star being stitched onto the national team crest.
Y por qué no? pic.twitter.com/IB9wTlcGYD
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) July 16, 2026
[Translation: And why not?]
The Case for Argentina’s Resilience
Despite Spain’s status as favorites, Argentina’s sheer willpower leaves the door open for an upset.
Alan Shearer backed the defending champions on The Rest is Football podcast, pointing to their unmatched mental toughness.
“If there’s one team that can do it in terms of stopping them, it’s Argentina because of their mentality and togetherness,” Shearer explained. “When you’ve got a genius in your side, you’ve always got a chance.”
To neutralize Spain, Micah Richards suggested Argentina must rely on a low-block transition.
Richards advised dropping deep, frustrating Spain’s attackers, and striking swiftly on the counter. “Get the ball to Messi, whereas [Julian] Alvarez or [Lautaro] Martinez just make it horrible,” Richards said.
Gary Lineker remains torn. Though he picked Spain before the tournament began, he noted Argentina’s gritty style makes the final a genuine 50-50 toss-up.
“You cannot go against that little fella,” Lineker said of Lionel Messi. “He’s so great; it’s going to be really, really close.”
A Diplomatic Sidestep
Not everyone is willing to risk a prediction.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani laughed off requests to pick a winner for the local final.
“Everyone I root for has lost,” Mamdani joked. “I’m gonna say the classic politician’s answer – I’m excited for a good game.”
