Spain vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup final LIVE updates: Argentina makes three changes

Home Sport Football Spain has reached this stage by mastering every situation. Argentina has reached it by surviving every situation Updated - July 20, 2026 12:13 am IST Argentina's Lionel Messi arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup final against Spain, on July 19, 2026 | Photo Credit: Imagn Images via REUTERS Lionel Messi’s Argentina takes on Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the New Jersey stadium on July 19, 2026.Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni made three changes from ‌the side who came from behind to beat ⁠England in the semi-finals, while Luis de la Fuente named an unchanged ‌Spain team.ALSO READ | Once in his arms, now in his way: Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and a date with destinyLamine Yamal plays up front for Spain after missing training ⁠this week following a knock in the semi-final win over ‌France.Reigning champion Argentina is looking to win a 4th world title, while the European champion Spain will be hoping to win it after 16 years. Follow live updates here:July 20, 2026 00:13 Spain's recordSpain, meanwhile are on a record as well. It has been unbeaten in 37 matches, a record-equalling run stretching back to its last defeat which was a 1-0 friendly loss to Colombia in March 2024. It did lose to Portugal in the 2025 Nations League final but the game was officially recorded as a draw, meaning Spain has not been beaten in regulation for well over two years.July 20, 2026 00:12 Argentina's formationThe defending champions Argentina come out in a flat 4-4-2: Emiliano Martinez in goal; Nicolás Tagliafico, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Gonzalo Montiel manning the backline; Nicolas Gonzales, Alexis Mac allister, Enzo Fernandez, and Rodrigo de Paul (returning to the starting lineup) in the midfield; and Julian Alvarez and Leo Messi leading the line.July 20, 2026 00:10 Unbeaten ArgentinaArgentina is not just unbeaten at this World Cup — it arrives on a 14-match winning streak across all competitions, a run stretching back to its last defeat, a 1-0 loss to Ecuador in World Cup qualifying.July 20, 2026 00:09 Continental champs face offTwo reigning continental champions, Argentina representing the life and colour of football from Latin America and Spain bringing out the discipline and tempo of European pragmatism go face to face for the ultimate footballing glory. Fans who were left disappointed when the ‘finalissima’ that promised to pit the greatest of the game, Leo Messi, against his heir apparent, Lamine Yamal, will witness today what could either be the proclamation of Leo’s supremacy of passing of the baton to the next generation; Don’t expect Messi, even at this late stage in a stories career, to go down without a fight.July 20, 2026 00:05 A battle between master and pupilFIFA World Cup 2026 final: A battle between master and pupilThe FIFA World Cup 2026 final features a heartfelt clash between mentor and pupil, de la Fuente and Scaloni.July 20, 2026 00:02 Preview: Spain, Argentina lock horns in a fascinating finaleThere is more than one way to become a World champion. Spain has spent the past month trying to ensure football unfolds exactly as it imagines, while Argentina has proved that even when football refuses to cooperate, victory can still be found.FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain, Argentina lock horns in a fascinating finaleSpain and Argentina clash in the thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup final, showcasing contrasting paths to glory and generational talent.July 20, 2026 00:01 Welcome to The Hindu's live coverageHello and welcome to The HIndu’s live coverage of the Final of the World Cup. This is a Final that is inarguably between two of the best teams in the tournament so far. Argentina has won all of its seven games it has played so far while Spain drew its first game against unheralded Cape Verde but went on to win the rest of the matches it played.July 19, 2026 23:15 Lineups announcedLineups are announced and players are warming up.Spain: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, ‌Marc Cucurella; Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal.Argentina: Emiliano ⁠Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro ⁠Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, ‌Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Gonzalez; Lionel Messi (captain), Julian Alvarez. Published - July 19, 2026 11:57 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products