Spain vs Argentina prediction: bet builder tips, odds | World Cup 2026

AFTER six weeks and 103 matches, the 2026 World Cup reaches its climax as Spain and Argentina battle to become world champions. It’s the first time the reigning European champions have faced the current Copa America holders in a World Cup final, with the two nations locked at six wins apiece in previous meetings. Spain vs Argentina bet builder tips Here’s our bet builder for the final, backing Spain’s control to tell, plus team news and predicted line-ups. Bet Builder Spain vs Argentina Sun, 19 July 2026 • 20:00 BST • World Cup Spain to Win — Match Result Mikel Oyarzabal — Anytime Goalscorer Best Odds Betway 11/2 Bet Here — £10 returns ≈ £65.00 Bet £10 Get £40 New customers only. Place a min £10 pre-event bet at min odds of 2.0. £40 worth of Free Bet Tokens awarded on bet settlement. 4 x £10 each with betting restrictions. 7 day expiry. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). 18+ GambleAware.org. 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Spain vs Argentina kick-off time, date, TV channel and venue Date: Sunday, July 19 Kick-off: 8pm BST Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford Stage: Final TV channel: BBC One & ITV1 Spain vs Argentina predictions After six weeks and 103 matches, the 2026 World Cup reaches its climax as Spain and Argentina battle to become world champions. It’s the first time the reigning European champions have faced the current Copa America holders in a World Cup final, with the two nations locked at six wins apiece in previous meetings. Luis de la Fuente’s side have been the standout team in North America, winning all seven matches while conceding just once, but standing in their way is Lionel Messi and the reigning champions, who have survived several scares to reach a second successive final. Victory would see Spain lift the trophy for only the second time, while Argentina are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup. Spain to win Spain have been the standout side at these World Cup finals, winning six of their seven matches while conceding just once. Luis de la Fuente’s side have dispatched Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France in the knockout rounds without requiring extra time and arrive unbeaten in 37 matches in regulation time. Argentina have shown remarkable resilience, but they’ve fallen behind in two of their last three knockout ties and haven’t kept a clean sheet in five matches. Both teams to score – No Spain’s defensive record has been exceptional. La Roja have kept six clean sheets in seven matches and conceded just 2.33 expected goals (xG) across the entire competition, an average of only 0.33 xG per game. They also restricted free-scoring France to just 0.3 xG in the semi-finals, the lowest expected goals figure Les Bleus have ever recorded in a World Cup match. Argentina will always carry a threat with Lionel Messi playing, but chances should be limited. Mikel Oyarzabal anytime scorer Mikel Oyarzabal has scored 18 goals in his last 20 international appearances. His penalty against France made him just the sixth player to reach 30 goals for Spain, while he also leads La Roja in key attacking metrics at these finals, including expected goals (3.46) and shots on target (11). He also scored the winner in Spain’s last major tournament final against England at Euro 2024. Spain vs Argentina match preview This is the final the tournament deserves. Spain arrive as the team to beat, and with good reason. Luis de la Fuente’s side opened with a nervy goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde but grew into an irresistible force, topping their group and then powering through Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France without the need for extra time. The 2-0 semi-final win over France was the statement: a rampant French attack that had scored 16 goals was strangled to almost nothing, with Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty setting them on their way. Built on Rodri’s control, Lamine Yamal’s invention and the meanest defence in the competition, Spain are chasing a second world title and their first since Andres Iniesta’s extra-time winner in 2010. Argentina, by contrast, have reached the final the hard way. The defending champions topped their group with a perfect record but have lived dangerously ever since, needing extra time to see off Cape Verde, coming from two goals down to beat Egypt, edging past ten-man Switzerland in another extra-time epic, and then recovering to beat England in the last four. Through it all has been Lionel Messi, still decisive in what may be his final World Cup match, leading the Golden Boot race and dragging his side over the line whenever they have needed him. The contrast in styles frames the whole game. Spain will look to dominate the ball, suffocate the space and pick their moments; Argentina will bide their time, ride the storm and trust that Messi, or a moment of quality, settles it. Spain’s balance and defensive excellence make them favourites, but Argentina’s temperament in the biggest moments means La Roja can take nothing for granted. Key stats for Spain vs Argentina Spain have kept six clean sheets in seven matches, conceding just once all tournament Spain restricted France to 0.3 xG in the semi-final, France’s lowest figure at any World Cup Argentina have not kept a clean sheet in their last five matches Mikel Oyarzabal has scored 18 goals in his last 20 Spain appearances and leads La Roja for xG (3.46) Argentina are bidding to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup Spain vs Argentina betting odds Here are the latest odds provided by bet365, Betway and Coral. Spain vs Argentina predicted line-ups Spain (4-2-3-1): Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal Argentina (4-1-3-2): E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez Spain vs Argentina team news Spain: Luis de la Fuente has a fully fit squad, boosted by the return of Nico Williams from injury to add depth on the flank. Mikel Oyarzabal leads the line as top scorer, with Ferran Torres his usual impact option off the bench, while Lamine Yamal and Rodri anchor a settled and in-form side. Argentina: Lionel Scaloni has no fresh concerns, with Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez both available despite bookings against England. Lionel Messi starts, with a question only over his strike partner: Julian Alvarez is expected to start, though Lautaro Martinez, a match-winner off the bench against England, is again an option in reserve. Verdict Spain have been the most complete side at these World Cup finals and should have enough quality at both ends of the pitch to get the job done. If they can keep Lionel Messi quiet, don’t be surprised if Mikel Oyarzabal delivers another decisive goal in a major final. Read more of our 2026 World Cup betting coverage World Cup 2026 tips and predictions World Cup 2026 AI betting predictions 2026 World Cup top goalscorer odds Best World Cup betting sites for 2026 Top team goalscorer odds for the 2026 World Cup About the author James Anderson James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers, casinos, and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of iGaming and sports betting. 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