Argentina, Spain Reveal Line-Ups for World Cup Final

Argentina and Spain have announced their starting line-ups ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States.

The two teams unveiled their line-ups on their official X accounts less than two hours before the match, which is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. WAT.

Defending champions Argentina will be captained by Lionel Messi, who leads the attack alongside Julián Álvarez. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez starts behind a defence comprising Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico.

Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Nico González complete the midfield.

2026 FIFA World Cup Football. Credit; Adidas

Argentina’s starting XI: Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico González; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.

Spain have retained Unai Simón in goal, with Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella forming the backline. Rodri and Fabián Ruiz will anchor the midfield, while Álex Baena, Dani Olmo and teenage star Lamine Yamal support striker Mikel Oyarzabal.

Spain’s starting XI: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Álex Baena, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal; Mikel Oyarzabal.

Both unbeaten finalists are chasing history, with Argentina aiming to retain the World Cup title and Spain seeking to lift the trophy for a second time.

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