With over 100 games played, the 2026 World Cup is slowly but surely coming to an end. Only a few days separate the fans from the great final, which will reveal the new champion. It is now certain that the title will go to either Spain or Argentina, but which team will prevail in the last game, and what did it take for them to get here?
The first of the two semifinals was a game between France and Spain. Many fans expected the former to come into the match with an advantage since Spain has noted some less-than-impressive performances, including their draw against Cape Verde. Even as they advanced in the tournament, they have mostly done so through games with a difference of one goal rather than through dominant victories. At the same time, their defence has impressed, and the team has lost only one goal in all the games leading up to the semifinal.
All doubts disappeared when Spain walked out onto the pitch. Despite playing against the 2022 runners-up, they were simply unstoppable. Their secret weapon was their impressive midfield that helped them fully control the action. France was all but invisible throughout the match and could only watch as Spain slowly but surely secured a spot in the final.
Spain’s first goal came after Lucas Digne’s foul on Lamine Yamal led to a penalty. Mikel Oyarzabal was the man to take it, calmly and steadily pushing his team into the lead. Their advantage increased in the 58th minute after a beautiful goal scored by Pedro Porro. From then on, there was nothing France could do as they watched their hopes of redemption for the fateful 2022 wither away.
Long before the game started, it had become clear that it would be one to watch out for. Both England and Argentina were determined to move through to the final and thus were not afraid to put their all on the field. The match was incredibly aggressive, with players constantly on the ground and the temperature rising with every passing minute. Despite no goals being scored in the first half, it was still an incredible 45 minutes of football.
The score was opened in the 55th minute thanks to the efforts of Anthony Gordon. Although England was quick to celebrate, at least in some ways, it ended up leading to their demise. Their advantage wasn’t big, but their focus immediately shifted from trying to improve the score to trying to defend the one they already had. The risky strategy seemed to work for a while, as with five minutes left on the clock, they were still winning. The problem was that if there is one thing Argentina proved throughout the World Cup, it’s that they are experts at coming back from a tough spot.
Enzo Fernandez managed attempt after attempt, and in the 85th minute, he found a way past England’s Jordan Pickford, equalising the score. Not long after, Lautaro Martinez made it 1- 2 for the defending champions. The ever-impressive Lionel Messi assisted in both goals, increasing his total number of World Cup assists even further. The English couldn’t find a response.
Now the question is, which of the two teams will take home the ultimate trophy? This isn’t an easy prediction to make as the final game could go in either direction. Argentina has proven time and again that they are not to be discounted and Spain has been praised even by Messi himself:
“Spain is a major team. They have great players (…) It’s a special match, the World Cup final, and I imagine it’s going to be very equal”
I agree with Messi’s sentiment and believe that the game is going to be very equal. Still, if I had to pick my favourite, I would turn towards Spain. Their tournament has been far from perfect, but if they bring the same level they have shown against France, it is hard to imagine any team being able to stop them. Argentina has been phenomenal during the finishing moments of important matches, but they have often been lacking in their earlier moments. If Spain can capitalise on the early chaos, they can secure a good position before the first half is over.
The game on Sunday will be one of, if not the most watched sports event of the year, and for good reason. It is shaping up to be a real spectacle, sure to be appreciated by everyone who cares about football. Will it bring Spain’s first title since 2010 or see Argentina become back-to-back champions?
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