The official starting line-ups have been confirmed for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with Lionel Messi leading Argentina’s attack while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and striker Mikel Oyarzabal headline Spain’s starting XI.
Reigning European champions Spain will battle defending world champions Argentina in a blockbuster final as both nations chase football’s biggest prize.
Argentina manager has named an experienced side led by captain Lionel Messi, who will operate behind forwards Julián Álvarez and Nico González. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez starts behind a back four of Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolás Tagliafico.
In midfield, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister will look to control the game and provide service to the attack.
Spain, meanwhile, have entrusted their hopes to young star Lamine Yamal, who starts alongside Dani Olmo and Álex Baena behind lone striker Mikel Oyarzabal.
The Spanish midfield will once again be marshalled by Rodri and Fabián Ruiz, while Unai Simón starts in goal. The defence features Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella.
Confirmed Starting XIs
Argentina (4-3-1-2): Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi; Nico González, Julián Álvarez.
Spain (4-2-3-1): Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
With Messi aiming to crown his illustrious international career with another World Cup title and Spain looking to add global glory to their European crown, fans can expect a thrilling showdown between two of the tournament’s best-performing teams.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Accra Daily Mail, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
