EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey, July 19, 2026 – Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has made three changes to the team that overcame England in the semi-finals, while Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has opted to keep an unchanged lineup for the World Cup final scheduled for Sunday, July 20.

For Argentina, Rodrigo De Paul returns to midfield, Gonzalo Montiel starts at right back, and Nicolas Gonzalez is included on the wing. Giuliano Simeone, Nahuel Molina, and Leandro Paredes have been dropped from the starting lineup. Lionel Messi will captain Argentina as they defend their title.

Spain's lineup remains the same as in their semi-final victory over France. Notably, Lamine Yamal, who missed training earlier in the week due to a knock sustained in the semi-final, will play up front. Pedro Porro also starts despite recent hamstring discomfort, while Pedri remains on the bench.

The confirmed lineups are:

Spain: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal.

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Gonzalez; Lionel Messi (captain), Julian Alvarez.

This final pits Argentina against Spain in a highly anticipated match following their respective semi-final wins.

Sources