NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
The 2026 FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina may not feature the star power that a France-England final would, but make no mistake: the quality is there with both finalists, as the two semi-final losers learned.
This quality starts at the top with Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, two superstars separated by 20 years, but it doesn’t stop there. Here is our combined XI for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper
Spain have shown incredible defensive stability throughout this World Cup, and their goalkeeper Unai Simón has played a major role in this, conceding just one goal as Spain’s number one.
But although Simón has conceded fewer goals than Emiliano Martínez, Martínez gets the nod due to his pedigree and big moments. He played a crucial role in Argentina’s victory at two Copa Americas and a World Cup, being huge in key moments and in several penalty shootouts.
Verdict: Emiliano Martinez
Return
Pedro Porro really burst onto the scene during this tournament. He came into the World Cup after a relatively inconsistent season for Tottenham, who had a poor season as a club, but Porro played incredibly well for Spain.
He was solid defensively while being present in attack. For this reason, he gets the nod over the more experienced Nahuel Molina.
Verdict: Pedro Porro
Right central defender
Cristian Romero is preferred over Pau Cubarsí due to his importance in the Argentine backline and the way he asserted himself in crucial moments.
Romero recovered from a deflected header by a Cape Verdean player to give the winner in the round of 16, and he also played an important role in Argentina’s run to the final.
Cubarsí was wonderful in his first major international tournament, but Romero’s experience, edge and know-how got him across the finish line.
Verdict: Cristian Romero
Left central defender
Aymeric Laporte has been a key player at the back, anchoring a backline that has conceded just one goal in this tournament. He brought experience alongside the inexperienced Pau Cubarsí, and his ability to play on the ball in defense was key for Spain.
His ability to play in a high line while Spain press their opponents as a unit has made him a valuable addition. He replaces Lisandro Martínez, who scored an important goal against Cape Verde in extra time earlier in the tournament.
Verdict Aymeric Laporte
Left rear
Marc Cucurella came into this tournament as one of the best left-backs in the world and continues to demonstrate it.
With his great energy flowing up and down the left flank, Cucurella provides defensive stability while also being an important presence in possession. His link-up play with Álex Baena on the Spanish left side has been key to how Spain controls matches.
Tagliafico has been solid and brings experience, but Cucurella gets the clear nod.
Verdict: Marc Cucurella
Left central midfielder
Rodri is playing his best football at this World Cup for the first time since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament at the start of the 2024-25 season, following his Ballon d’Or campaign where he won the Premier League with Manchester City and the Euros with Spain.
He absolutely dominated the midfield, showing his composure, his ability to dictate the tempo and his elite footballing brain.
Paredes was introduced by Lionel Scaloni to provide Argentina with more midfield control as the tournament progressed, but Rodri is recognized as one of the best players in the world.
Verdict: Rodri
Right central midfielder
Fabián Ruiz was introduced by Luis de la Fuente as a starter against Belgium in the quarter-finals, and Spain did not look back. He brought more dynamism to the midfield with his ability to carry the ball forward, while his work rate alongside Rodri in closing down spaces was excellent.
Enzo Fernández receives just a slight nod. He hasn’t been at his best in this tournament while playing a bigger role, but his pedigree and importance to Argentina still gives him a very slight edge over Fabián.
Verdict: Enzo Fernández
Attacking midfielder
Dani Olmo continues to be a central part of this Spain team, occupying the central attacking midfielder position.
His complex play, ability to make late runs and presence on the edge of the box were vital for Spain. He’s not the most natural and silky No.10, but his unique qualities and overall connectivity with Mikel Oyarzabal make him essential in this team.
Mac Allister is made of what it takes. He has the ability to run into the box and be a goal threat, he is willing to do the dirty work in midfield and he can carry the ball forward. But Olmo gets a slight nod.
Verdict: Dani Olmo
Left winger
Lionel Messi continues to show why he is the greatest player in football history.
He scored eight goals in that tournament and had two assists in Argentina’s late win over England, taking charge of that match just as he took charge of Argentina’s late comeback against Egypt in the round of 16.
Messi looks 39 when he is 29.
Baena is unhappy to be compared to Messi due to his left-wing role. He had a solid tournament for Spain, providing the ability to maintain possession, move freely and pick up different pockets. But Messi gets a clear nod.
Verdict: Lionel Messi
Striker
Mikel Oyarzabal had a wonderful tournament for Spain, scoring five goals, including the pivotal penalty to take France ahead in the semi-final.
He was effective and ruthless as a finisher while playing as a non-traditional number 9. He may not play like a classic striker, but he has been incredible in that role for Spain.
Julián Álvarez didn’t have his best tournament compared to his contributions in 2022 for Argentina, but he still scored a magical goal to win Argentina’s quarterfinal match against Switzerland late in overtime.
Oyarzabal gets the green light.
Verdict: Mikel Oyarzabal
Right winger
Due to the imbalance between Spain’s form and Argentina playing with four midfielders, Rodrigo De Paul is compared to Lamine Yamal.
Yamal is one of the best young players we have ever seen and just turned 19 the day before Spain won the semi-final against France. He came into this World Cup nursing a hamstring injury he suffered towards the end of the club season with Barcelona, but he has gradually grown in this tournament.
He only scored one goal, but his impact goes beyond statistics. His ability to create fear every time he touches the ball makes him one of the most dangerous players on the pitch.
Yamal gets the nod and will be the second best player in the World Cup final behind Messi.
Verdict: Lamine Yamal
Combined final XI for Spain and Argentina
GK: Emiliano Martinez
RB: Pedro Porro
CB: Aymeric Laporte
CB: Christian Romero
kg: Marc Cucurella
CM: Rodri
CM: Enzo Fernández
CAM: Daniel Olmo
LW: Lionel Messi
ST: Mikel Oyarzábal
RW: Lamine Yamal
