The 2026 FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina might not feature the depth of star power that a France and England final would have, but make no mistake: the quality is there with the two finalists, as the two semifinal losers learned.
That quality starts at the very top with Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, two superstars separated by 20 years, but it doesn’t end there. Here is our combined XI for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium:
Spain has shown incredible defensive stability throughout this World Cup, and its goalkeeper Unai Simón has played a major role in that, conceding only one goal as Spains No. 1.
But despite Simón conceding fewer goals than Emiliano MartÃnez, MartÃnez gets the nod because of his pedigree and big-game moments. He has been critical in Argentina winning two Copa Américas and a World Cup, coming up huge in key moments and in multiple penalty shootouts.
Pedro Porro has really broken onto the scene at this tournament. He came into the World Cup off a relatively inconsistent season for Tottenham, which had a poor season as a club, but Porro has played incredibly well for Spain.
He has been defensively solid while also being a presence in attack. Because of that, he gets the nod over the more experienced Nahuel Molina.
Cristian Romero gets the nod over Pau Cubarsà because of his importance in Argentinas back line and the way he has come up big in crucial moments.
Romero got on the end of the header that was deflected in by a Cape Verde player for the winner in the Round of 32, and he also played a huge role in Argentinas run to the final.
Cubarsà has been marvelous in his first major international tournament, but Romeros experience, edge and know-how get him over the line.
Aymeric Laporte has been a pivotal player at the back, anchoring a back line that has conceded only one goal in this tournament. He has provided experience next to the inexperienced Pau CubarsÃ, and his ball-playing ability out of the back has been essential for Spain.
His ability to play in a high line while Spain squeezes opponents as a unit has made him a valuable piece. He gets the nod over Lisandro MartÃnez, who scored an important goal against Cape Verde in extra time earlier in the tournament.
Marc Cucurella came into this tournament as one of the best left backs in the world and has continued to show it.
With his high energy going up and down the left flank, Cucurella provides defensive stability while also being an important presence in possession. His link-up play with Ãlex Baena on Spains left side has been key to how Spain controls games.
Tagliafico has been solid and brings experience, but Cucurella gets the clear nod.
Rodri has been playing his best football at this World Cup for the first time since tearing his ACL early in the 2024-25 season, following his Ballon dOr campaign where he won the Premier League with Manchester City and the Euros with Spain.
He has absolutely bossed the midfield, showing his composure, ability to dictate tempo and elite footballing brain.
Paredes was introduced by Lionel Scaloni to provide more control in midfield for Argentina as the tournament unfolded, but Rodri gets the nod as one of the best players in the world.
Fabián Ruiz was introduced by Luis de la Fuente as a starter against Belgium in the quarterfinals, and Spain has not looked back. He has provided more dynamism in midfield with his ability to carry the ball forward, while his work rate next to Rodri to close down spaces has been great.
Enzo Fernández just gets the slight nod. He has not been at his absolute best this tournament while playing in a deeper role, but his pedigree and importance to Argentina still give him the very slight edge over Fabián.
Dani Olmo continues to be a pivotal part of this Spain team, occupying the central attacking midfield position.
His intricate play, ability to m
