World Cup Final Between Argentina and Spain: Predictions and Analysis

Argentina and Spain are set to face off in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey this Sunday. Argentina secured their spot in the final following a dramatic comeback victory over England. This marks Lionel Messi’s second consecutive World Cup final appearance, after winning his first in Qatar in 2022. Spain’s rising star Lamine Yamal will make their first appearance in the final. Notably, Messi and Yamal have never played against each other before, although a famous photo from Yamal’s childhood shows them together.

Individual awards such as the Golden Ball for best player, Golden Glove for best goalkeeper, and Golden Boot for top goalscorer will be determined following the final. Currently, Messi is leading in the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists, contributing to tiebreaks. Kylian Mbappe follows closely with eight goals and three assists. Erling Haaland has seven goals, while Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who will compete against Mbappe in the bronze medal game on Saturday, each have six.

We consulted our writers on their predictions for the final outcome and individual awards. Here’s a summary of their insights:

Who Will Win the World Cup Final and Why?

Phil Hay: Spain. The team exudes confidence, as though they have believed they would win the tournament from the onset. Amid discussions revolving around France, Spain has steadily advanced, proving their capability in major finals due to their consistent form in all positions paired with Luis de la Fuente’s effective tactical plan.

Carl Anka: Spain. After a gradual start, they have hit peak form at the perfect time. Despite Yamal not fully delivering on expected attacking output, his presence is undeniably threatening. The team’s adept use of possession might not mirror the “Death by 1000 passes” of Spain 2010-12, but their strategy of depleting opponent morale through ball possession is highly effective.

Seb Stafford-Bloor: Spain. Although Argentina effectively countered England’s tactical retreat in the semi-final by leveraging emotional intensity, there’s no proof that similar tactics could work against Spain.

Dermot Corrigan: Observing Spain’s dominant victory over France in semi-finals makes it impossible to bet against them. Argentina’s remarkable comeback might be inspiring but Spain appears composed, mission-driven, and ready to tackle any challenge with calm confidence.

Henry Bushnell: Spain. Spain’s organized, sharp, and synchronized team dynamics, evident from their semi-final manipulation, suggests a one-sided final is possible.

Lukas Weese: Argentina boasts a destiny-driven narrative with multiple comebacks. Despite Spain’s strong form, Argentina could pull off back-to-back World Cup victories, especially with Messi.

Stu James: Spain. Despite previously favoring France, Spain’s decisive tactics against France showcased their strength beyond any individual dependency, even with Yamal not at his peak.

Paul Tenorio: Argentina. The emotional drive backing Argentina, reinforced by the significance of Messi’s legacy, positions them strongly for the final.

Analysis of the Best Two Teams

Phil Hay: While Spain and Argentina are undoubtedly strong contenders, France remains formidable in spite of their match against Spain. The semi-final between Spain and France seemed like an early final.

Seb Stafford-Bloor: Although Spain and France’s semi-final match portrayed an imbalance, based on overall tournament performance, they merit the rankings of one and two. Argentina demonstrates a unique blend of enthusiasm and tenacity beyond structured rankings.

Dermot Corrigan: Highlighting Spain’s historical alignment with their 2010 campaign, where their semi-final opponent reflected higher quality over their final rival, adds context to their current standing.

Carl Anka: Drawing parallels between noteworthy World Cup teams that missed finals, Spain’s comprehensive dismantling of France justifies their place. Argentina’s perseverance reflects similar qualities.

Henry Bushnell: France retains value as the second-best despite Spain’s powerful semi-final victory diminishing their perceived brilliance.

Lukas Weese: Spain-Argentina is not the ideal final; a hypothetical France-Spain match would have presented a more competitive showdown.

Predicted Winner of the Golden Boot

Phil Hay: A tie between Messi and Mbappe seems likely.

Dermot Corrigan: Mbappe could excel in the more relaxed third-place game against England.

Seb Stafford-Bloor: Mbappe is poised to capitalize on a wounded, exhausted England side during the third-place match.

Carl Anka: Initially predicting Kane’s success in earlier rounds proved naive. With Messi showcasing exceptional form, the pick naturally shifts.

Henry Bushnell: Against strategic foresight, Messi’s performance, including assists, puts him at an advantage over Mbappe, who might opt to rest during the third-place game.

Lukas Weese: Messi’s performance in the semi-final is compelling evidence of his continued excellence.

Stu James: The third-place game could witness unpredictable outcomes based on strategic decisions, potentially enabling Mbappe.

Predicted Winner of the Golden Ball

Phil Hay: FIFA faces difficulty overlooking Messi due to his record-breaking tournament achievements.

Seb Stafford-Bloor: Despite Messi securing victories early on, credit also deserves to be extended to his coach for maximizing Messi’s influence.

Dermot Corrigan: While Spain’s tactical prowess might complicate FIFA’s decision process, Messi’s continuous heroics solidify his candidacy.

Carl Anka: The Golden Ball serves as a tribute to Messi’s substantial contributions to football.

Henry Bushnell: The semi-final comeback ensures Messi’s win regardless of future performance.

Lukas Weese: Messi’s historic involvement in this World Cup solidifies his place as a central figure and likely winner.

Stu James: The prospect of choosing any other candidate seems implausible with Messi being outstanding throughout the tournament.

Predicted Winner of the Golden Glove

Phil Hay: Unai Simon boasts remarkable statistics, conceding only one goal throughout seven games.

Seb Stafford-Bloor: Simon’s consistent performance merits the award irrespective of the final outcome.

Dermot Corrigan: Despite being rated below other notable Spanish keepers, Simon’s unique abilities and occasional lucky escapes justify his recognition.

Carl Anka: Simon remains the favorite barring unforeseen final events.

Henry Bushnell: Simon.

Lukas Weese: Simon’s impressive performance against France is commendable — showcasing strong anticipation skills.

Stu James: With a remarkable statistic of one goal conceded, Simon’s award appears imminent.

Predicted Winner of Best Young Player

Phil Hay: While breakthrough performances emerged during the tournament, Lamine Yamal is likely to win.

Seb Stafford-Bloor: Pau Cubarsi’s unprecedented talent as a 19-year-old shines, exhibiting future potential.

Dermot Corrigan: Yamal’s stellar presence solidifies his position for the award.

Carl Anka: Reflecting undeniable skill, Cubarsi impressively adapts defensive strategies conclusively.

Henry Bushnell: Despite Cubarsi’s dominance, Yamal could seal victory with a standout final performance.

Lukas Weese: Yamal, potentially having a decisive impact during the final, might claim the award.

Predicted Winner of Goal of the Tournament

Phil Hay: Sidny Lopes Cabral’s majestic strike against Argentina holds significant merit warranting recognition as a momentous goal.

Seb Stafford-Bloor: While Cabral’s effort holds acclaim, sneak previews of intricate Spanish plays captivate appreciation.

Dermot Corrigan: Messi’s outstanding efficiency against Egypt epitomizes technical brilliance amidst chaos.

Carl Anka: Cabral’s audacity against Argentina reflects remarkable daringness and execution.

Henry Bushnell: Combining individual prowess with the weight of circumstances, Julian Alvarez emerges prominent — albeit Cabral’s effort remains iconic.

Lukas Weese: While Cabral’s goal retains personal admiration, Messi’s seminal strike against Algeria symbolizes expertise overcoming doubts.

Stu James: Cabral’s goal delivers unequivocal appeal, representing impactful narratives alongside Argentina’s story.

Paul Tenorio: Cabral’s remarkable goal frames compelling World Cup narratives, warranting awards.