Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- The World Cup final pits Euro 2024 champions Spain against defending 2022 Qatar winners Argentina. Spain features 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri (Manchester City) anchoring midfield, with 18-year-old Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) cutting in from the right wing. Argentina counters with 38-year-old Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) pursuing back-to-back titles in his sixth World Cup appearance.
- Spain's 4-1-2-3 formation contrasts with Argentina's 4-4-2 setup. The midfield battle features Spain's trio of Rodri, Fabián Ruiz (PSG), and Dani Olmo (Barcelona) against Argentina's double pivot of Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) and Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), with control of the center being crucial to the outcome.
- Both attacks boast world-class talent. Spain fields 18-year-old Yamal, Euro 2024 final scorer Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), and Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid) in their front three. Argentina deploys Messi and Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid) as a front two, with Nicolás González (Atlético Madrid) providing width from the left flank.
- The defensive matchup promises intrigue. Spain pairs 19-year-old Barcelona prodigy Pau Cubarsí with Athletic Bilbao's Aymeric Laporte (ex-Manchester City), combining height with technical ability. Argentina relies on their Qatar 2022-winning center-back partnership of Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United) and Cristian Romero (Tottenham) to marshal the back line.
- Former club connections add storylines. Spain's Laporte spent five years at Manchester City and was teammates with current City star Rodri. Argentina's González recently joined Atlético Madrid this season, setting up a direct duel with clubmate Baena on opposing sides.
- Both goalkeepers excel on the big stage. Spain's Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao) has earned 47 caps as Spain's first-choice keeper and proved himself in penalty shootouts at Euro 2020. Argentina's Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa) was the hero of Qatar 2022, renowned globally as one of the most intimidating penalty specialists.
- Bench depth runs deep for both sides. Spain can call upon Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), and Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao) with extensive international experience. Argentina has Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan, 77 caps and 37 goals) and Leandro Paredes (Roma) among their substitutes, providing game-changing options.
- Spain made history by naming no Real Madrid players in their World Cup squad for the first time ever. Luis de la Fuente, appointed in December 2022 and fresh off Euro 2024 glory, manages his first World Cup. Lionel Scaloni returns as Argentina's coach for his second World Cup, aiming to become the first manager since Vittorio Pozzo (1934, 1938) to win consecutive titles.