B/R Football Staff Predictions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

Argentina vs. Spain. A football fan's dream for a FIFA World Cup final.

On the one hand, we have Spain, virtually impenetrable defensively, which has brushed aside established European powers such as Portugal, Belgium and France. La Furia Roja has only conceded one goal throughout the tournament and has scored timely strikes at crucial moments.

On the other hand, Argentina is riding the magic of the genius that is Lionel Messi all the way to the final. The former Barcelona star continues to defy age and logic, lifting La Albiceleste to the verge of a second consecutive World Cup title.

So, which team wins on Sunday?

Our B/R Football staff provides predictions for the game.

Got your own take? Submit it now in the comments section of the app.

Prediction: Spain 2-1 Argentina

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In one corner, we have the reigning European champions. In the other corner, we have the reigning South American champions. The biggest star on each side -- Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi -- had their pictures taken together when the Spanish winger was just a baby. It's as if this matchup was meant to be.

Not only is there narrative fuel to Sunday's fire, but there's also plenty of tactical intrigue. Spain, with their hyper-controlled style of play, are fresh off the most impressive performance by any team at this World Cup: their 2-0 victory over France in the semifinals. Argentina, though, are no stranger to midfield dominance. With at least three central midfielders (and Messi) always on the field ready to overload the opposition, Argentina commit to playing through the middle like no one else in the world.

Still, Spain, with their blend of press resistance and chance creation across the entire width of the field, will prove too much to stop. The final won't be a blowout -- far from it. But Spain squeeze Argentina deep, have a couple of moments of quality in the final third, and lift the World Cup trophy.

- Joe Lowery

Prediction: Spain 1-0 Argentina

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Argentina have scored 11 goals in the knockout rounds, and 10 of them have come in the 79th minute or later. Their never-say-die attitude has been incredible to witness, but they will almost certainly need to start this game better to stand a chance.

In contrast to England's ultimately disastrous attempt to park the bus against Lionel Messi and company in the semi-final, Spain gave a masterclass in how to defend a lead against France by controlling possession for long sequences and taking the sting out of the game.

If Argentina can get an early lead and instead force Spain to change their approach, this could work out differently, but Spain have conceded just one goal in the tournament and have never trailed. They have also faced and dominated the higher level of competition throughout the knockout rounds, will have had an extra day's rest, and have shown that they won't simply collapse when defending a lead.

Logic dictates a Spain win, and although Messi has defied logic for most of his adult life, even this feels a step too far for the GOAT.

- Calum Rogers

Prediction: Argentina 2 -1 Spain (AET)

Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

Spain.

Argentina.

One is the current European champion, and the other is the reigning Copa America winner. 

The soccer gods couldn't have come up with a better prospect for the 2026 World Cup final.

Both teams started their campaigns as the heavy favorites to make deep runs in the tournament as well.

Argentina, spearheaded by Lionel Messi and backed by a squad ready with a serious amount of "grinta," faced a few obstacles on their journey to the final. 

A shaky round-of-32 comeback against Cape Verde and a hard-fought win over Egypt in the next round gave Argentina the power to continue their journey. But it also raised questions about the stability of the team's defense. 

On the flip side, Spain started slowly, drawing against a very respectable Cape Verde team. After that? Flawless. Subsequent matches saw La Furia Roja kick it into high gear, playing a lovely brand of football that combined a stingy defense and a technically gifted attack. 

However, fueled by the success of 2022 and the fact that this could well be Messi's last ever World Cup, La Albiceleste looks primed to ride this emotional wave to earn their second World Cup in four years. 

- Alex Windley

Prediction: Spain 2-1 Argentina

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Argentina's resolve is remarkable, but Spain won't let them back into games like Switzerland and England did.

Luis de la Fuente's team won't retreat or concede possession in a bid to stack their box with lumps to try and head crosses away. The midfield is the heart of this battle, and Spain's is superior if they can keep their heads. 

Argentina will fight for every inch. They'll interrupt and they'll bring hell. Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo will need to keep the team calm by ignoring all that.

What's so great about this final is that both teams have a legitimate x-factor. Messi's greatness shone through against England. That right-footed cross for Lautaro Martinez's winner was magic and reward for searching out the ball. Yamal steadily improved after entering the tournament injured and put on an impressive display against France, winning the penalty for La Roja's opener.

It would be iconic for the youngster to lead his side to victory, likely ending Messi's international career at the same time. Whether he proves to be the winner or not, Spain should have it in them to not only rule Europe, but rule the world.

-Nick Akerman

Prediction: Spain 1-0 France

Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images

Looks like we'll get the Finalissima after all. 

Just add it to the list of conspiracy theories floating around this World Cup. 

But that does a disservice to both Spain and Argentina, with each team more than deserving of their spot in the tournament's climax. They both took quite different approaches to get there, though.

While Spain has relied on control and a clinical streak, Argentina has opted for chaos as the preferred route to victory.

Against France in the semifinal, La Furia Roja took a 2-0 lead and comfortably held their opponents at arm's length for the remaining half hour. That might not work quite so well against La Albiceleste.

Argentina comes alive in the final throes of matches, whether that's in the last 10 minutes or in extra time. With fatigue setting in, Lionel Messi gets a chance to work his magic with fewer impediments, with tired legs desperately trying to avoid fouls or else proving unable to keep up with his trickery and lightning-quick change of direction. 

Spain looked better equipped to deal with that threat, having conceded just once in the tournament so far. If they can come out unscathed during the early wrestling and keep 11 men on the field, the Europeans should have just enough to withstand a late barrage and claim a historic victory.

- Leo Collis