The 2026 FIFA World Cup wraps up Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as defending champion Argentina and Spain battle for the nearly 14-pound gold World Cup trophy. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET, and the match can be viewed or streamed on FOX, Telemundo and FOX One. We look to build our bankroll with our top 2026 World Cup picks for Sunday’s matchup: Spain vs. Argentina.
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Sunday’s Best 2026 World Cup Picks & Predictions: Spain vs. Argentina
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Spain (+130) vs. Argentina (+260) | Draw (+195) | O/U 2.5 (+126/-154)
It’s a little bittersweet. The 2026 World Cup is about to come to a close. It has been a very exciting tournament, especially from the Round of 16 and beyond. We’ve seen some surprises. We’ve witnessed some wild finishes. And there have been great crowds at some amazing venues. Now, it all comes down to two teams.
Argentina is looking to join an exclusive club as it attempts to become just the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups. Peleé and Brazil won consecutive World Cups in 1958 in Sweden and 1962 in Chile. Italy won in 1934 as the host nation, and again in 1938 in France. That’s it. That’s the club.
Lionel Messi and Argentina are looking to become the first nation in 64 years to run it back. In addition, Argentina is looking to join (West) Germany and Italy in the four-time World Cup winners’ club, just one behind Brazil. Spain is searching for its second-ever World Cup after winning in 2010 in South Africa.
Believe it or not, this is just the second time these nations have ever met in the World Cup. Back in 1966 in England, Argentina posted a 2-1 victory in the group stage against Spain, with Luis Artime netting two goals for La Albiceleste.
Spain has allowed just one goal so far through seven matches in the World Cup, keeping six clean sheets. The lone exception was a 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarterfinals. Red Devils Charles De Ketelaere, hold your head high. You’re the only player to beat Spanish keeper Unai Simón so far in the 2026 World Cup.
Mikel Oyarzabal leads the Spanish side with five goals through seven matches, and he has an assist, too. The Real Sociedad player has quietly scored nearly half of the team’s goals, with Mikel Merino and Pedro Porro each scoring two. You’ve no doubt heard about 19-year-old phenom Lamine Yamal ad nauseam. He has the potential to be the sport’s next superstar. But, for all of the pomp and circumstance, he has netted just a single goal in seven matches.
Argentina trailed 1-0 at the 85th-minute against England in the semifinals, and it looked like its shot at back-to-back titles was going to be thwarted. But goals from Enzo Fernández (85′) and Lautaro Martínez (90’+2′) in stoppage time stunned the English side and sent the Argentine fans into euphoria.
Argentina had 64% possession in the semifinal matchup against England and completed 91% of its passes (537 out of 588). It won six corners to England’s two, and had 28 touches in the opposition box to England’s seven. Argentina is active on the offensive end; it keeps pushing, and it never gives up, even when it appears the end is near.
Lionel Messi is in the hunt for the Golden Boot, with eight goals through seven matches and four assists, leading the team in that category. Martínez’s winner gave him three goals in the tournament, second to Messi, while Fernández’s equalizer against England helped him to third on the team with two goals. Argentina has had eight different players score a goal, with five others tied at one apiece. That speaks to the team’s depth.
Depth will be the deciding factor here. Argentina’s march to history will not be denied in this titanic championship clash. Expect the biggest star to shine, so let’s back Messi to score. If you’re a little on the conservative side, Messi (-135) to score a goal or assist is also not a terrible wager. In addition, we’ll take Spain in the Race to 4 Corners (-160), and we’ll lean upon Spain’s goalie to make at least three saves (-155).
2026 World Cup Final Picks
- Argentina 3-way Moneyline (+270)
- Under 2.5 Goals (-164)
- Spain - Race to 4 Corners (-160)
- Lionel Messi Anytime Goalscorer (+155)
- Goalkeeper to Make 3 or More Saves - Spain (-155)
