New Jersey: Spain prepares for World Cup final against Argentina

By Brian Otieno — 18 July 2026 — 4 min read

Spain is gearing up for the World Cup final against Argentina, with coach Luis de la Fuente addressing fitness concerns surrounding key player Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona star, who is a significant attacking threat for La Roja, had sparked worries after not participating in training in New Jersey on Thursday. He was seen with a bandage on his left thigh and appeared to be limping following the semi-final victory over France.

Despite these observations, de la Fuente has downplayed the injury concerns, stating that Yamal is in “optimal condition.” Yamal had reportedly taken a knock to his left thigh during the match against France. The coach clarified that Yamal’s absence from Thursday’s training was a precautionary measure, allowing him to undertake a different type of work due to slight discomfort. Yamal returned to normal training on Friday and is reportedly eager to perform at his best in the final.

Another player who sat out the training session was Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro. De la Fuente indicated that Porro was experiencing “muscle tightness.” However, similar to Yamal, both players are expected to be fit to start in the upcoming match. The reigning European champions otherwise appear to have a clean bill of health as they aim to dethrone the current holders and secure their second World Cup title, their first since 2010.

Squad and Tactical Outlook

De la Fuente is unlikely to make significant changes to the squad that confidently defeated tournament favourites France. The team maintained the same lineup for the semi-finals as they did for their quarter-final win against Belgium. This consistency suggests a settled approach for the final. Unai Simon has retained his position as the undisputed number one goalkeeper, fending off competition from David Raya and Joan Garcia.

The preferred central defensive pairing consists of Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte, with Porro and Marc Cucurella flanking them. In midfield, Rodri is expected to be partnered by Fabian Ruiz, a selection that has seen Pedri start from the bench. This decision regarding the midfield partnership is anticipated to draw attention once more ahead of the final, but otherwise, Spain’s team largely selects itself.

The attacking trio supporting lone frontman Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to feature Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Alex Baena. Baena has maintained his spot on the left side for Spain, even with the return to fitness of Nico Williams, who was a prominent player in Euro 2024 before an injury. Williams has been making appearances from the bench, providing another strong option for de la Fuente.

The Spanish coach has a range of strong options available as substitutes, including Pedri, Williams, Mikel Merino, and Ferran Torres. These players offer depth and could be introduced if de la Fuente opts for a tactical surprise or needs to make changes during the match. The predicted starting XI for Spain is (4-2-3-1): Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.

Anticipation for the Final

The final is scheduled for 8pm BST on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The match will be broadcast on BBC and ITV. This encounter is highly anticipated, with Spain aiming for their second World Cup title and Argentina seeking to win back-to-back championships, following their victory in 2022.

Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, expressed confidence in Spain’s ability to perform, noting that the team played one of their best games against France. He stressed the need to elevate their performance against the champions, Argentina. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, who is likely playing in his sixth and final World Cup, conveyed his team’s determination, stating, “We will give it our all. I’ve said many times: we never stop fighting.”

Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, maintained a calm outlook despite the high stakes, describing it as “one more game.” He emphasised that the team cannot dwell on the fact that it is a World Cup final. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez echoed the sentiment of dedication, highlighting the collective effort to bring happiness to their country and celebrate with their people. No team has won consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, adding another layer of significance to Argentina’s pursuit.

The match presents a potential “passing-of-the-torch” moment, with Yamal, who was photographed with Messi as a baby in 2007, seen as a potential successor to the title of the world’s best player. However, de la Fuente has advised Yamal to focus on being himself, acknowledging Messi as a unique and exemplary figure. The coach himself admitted to feeling nervous about returning to New Jersey by helicopter after media obligations in New York, but otherwise felt calm about the upcoming final.

The determination of the 2010 World Cup-winning Spanish squad serves as an inspiration for the current team, according to Rodri, who is focused on the individual and team development that has propelled them to this final.

The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to take place on Sunday, July 19.

Source: standard.co.uk