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The 2026 FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina may not have the depth of star power that a France and England final would, but make no mistake: the quality is there in the two finalists, as the two semi-final losers found out.
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 the New York New Jersey Stadium:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper
Spain have shown incredible defensive stability throughout this World Cup and their goalkeeper Unai Simón has played a big part in that, conceding just one goal as Spain’s No.1.
But despite Simón conceding fewer goals than Emiliano Martínez, Martínez gets the nod due to 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 several penalty shootouts.
Draft: Emiliano Martínez
Right back
Pedro Porro has really burst onto the scene in this tournament. He came to the World Cup after a relatively inconsistent season for Tottenham, who had a poor season as a club, but Porro has played incredibly well for Spain.
He has been defensively solid, while at the same time he has been present in attack. That is why he gets the nod over the more experienced Nahuel Molina.
Review: Pedro Porro
Right center back
Cristian Romero gets the nod over Pau Cubarsí due to his importance in Argentina’s back line and the way he has come up big in crucial moments.
Romero got on the end of a header deflected by a Cape Verdean player for the winner in the round of 16, and he also played a big part in Argentina’s run to the final.
Cubarsí has been fantastic in his first major international tournament, but Romero’s experience, edge and know-how will get him over the line.
Review: Cristian Romero
Left center back
Aymeric Laporte has been a key player at the back, anchoring a back line that has only conceded one goal in this tournament. He has provided experience alongside the inexperienced Pau Cubarsí and his ability to play the ball out of the back has been crucial for Spain.
His ability to play on a high line while Spain squeezes opponents as a unit has made him a valuable piece. He gets the nod over Lisandro Martínez, who scored an important goal against Cape Verde in extra time earlier in the tournament.
Judge Aymeric Laporte
Left Back
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 running up and down the left flank, Cucurella provides defensive stability while being an important presence in possession. His interplay with Álex Baena on Spain’s left has been key to how Spain control matches.
Tagliafico has been solid and brings experience, but Cucurella gets the clear nod.
Review: Marc Cucurella
Left central midfielder
Rodri has played his best football at this World Cup for the first time since tearing his ACL early in the 2024-25 season, following his Ballon d’Or campaign in which he won the Premier League with Manchester City and the European Championship with Spain.
He has absolutely dominated the midfield and has shown his composure, ability to dictate tempo and elite football brain.
Paredes was introduced by Lionel Scaloni to give Argentina more control in midfield as the tournament unfolded, but Rodri gets the nod as one of the best players in the world.
Rating: Rodri
Right central midfielder
Fabián Ruiz was introduced by Luis de la Fuente as the starter against Belgium in the quarter-finals and Spain have not looked back. He has provided more dynamism in midfield with his ability to carry the ball forward, while his work rate alongside Rodri to close down spaces has been great.
Enzo Fernández just gets a little nod. He hasn’t been at his absolute best this tournament while playing a deeper role, but his pedigree and importance to Argentina still gives him the very slight edge over Fabián.
Review: Enzo Fernández
Attacking midfielder
Dani Olmo continues to be a key part of this Spanish team, occupying the central midfield position.
His intricate play, ability to make late runs and presence on the edge of the field have been crucial for Spain. He’s not the most natural, silky smooth No.10, but his unique qualities and overall connection with Mikel Oyarzabal make him essential in this side.
Mac Allister is made of the right stuff. He has the capacity to run into the box and be a goal threat, he is willing to do the dirty work in midfield and he can carry the ball forward. But Olmo gets the small nod.
Review: Dani Olmo
Left wing
Lionel Messi just continues to show why he is the greatest player in the history of football.
He has scored eight goals in this tournament and had two assists in Argentina’s late comeback win against England, taking charge of that match just as he took charge of Argentina’s late comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16.
Messi looks to be 39 and will be 29.
Baena is unfortunate to be compared to Messi because of the left-sided role. He has had a solid tournament for Spain, allowing him to keep possession, roam freely and pick up various pockets. But Messi gets the clear nod.
Rating: Lionel Messi
Striker
Mikel Oyarzabal has had a fantastic tournament for Spain, scoring five goals, including the decisive penalty to take the lead over France in the semi-finals.
He has been effective and ruthless as a finisher while playing as an unconventional No. 9. He may not play as a classic striker, but he has been incredible in that role for Spain.
Julián Álvarez hasn’t had the best tournament in terms of his 2022 contribution for Argentina, but he still scored a magical goal to win Argentina’s quarter-final against Switzerland late in extra time.
Oyarzabal gets the nod.
Judgement: Mikel Oyarzabal
Right winger
Due to the imbalance between Spain’s form and Argentina playing with four midfielders, Rodrigo De Paul is being compared to Lamine Yamal.
Yamal is one of the best young players we have ever seen and turned 19 a day before Spain’s semi-final win over France. He came into this World Cup with a hamstring injury sustained near the end of the club season with Barcelona, but he has steadily grown into this tournament.
He has only scored one goal, but his influence goes beyond the statistics. His ability to create fear every time he gets on the ball makes him one of the most dangerous players on the pitch.
Yamal gets the salute and becomes the second best player in the World Cup final behind Messi.
Review: Lamine Yamal
Final Combined XI for Spain and Argentina
GC: Emiliano Martinez
RB: Pedro Porro
CB: Aymeric Laporte
CB: Christian Romero
LB: Marc Cucurella
CM: Rodri
CM: Enzo Fernandez
CAM: Dani Olmo
LW: Lionel Messi
ST: Mikel Oyarzabal
RW: Lamin Yamal
