World Cup 2026 Final: Spain vs Argentina Preview

The road to MetLife Stadium

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is down to its final two fixtures. After a group stage and knockout run that stretched across three host nations, only Spain and Argentina remain standing for the ultimate prize, while France and England play for bronze.

There are no African sides left to cheer for at this stage. Ghana’s Black Stars, the last team from the continent standing, went out 1-0 to Colombia in the round of 32 back on July 4, and every other African qualifier — Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Senegal, Algeria, DR Congo and South Africa — fell before the semifinals too. Nigerian fans, though, are still glued to their screens for a final weekend that has delivered exactly the kind of drama this tournament promised. You can catch up on how each African nation’s campaign ended on the Ghana World Cup 2026 guide.

Today, July 16, is a rest day on the calendar — no matches are scheduled between Wednesday’s semifinals and Saturday’s third-place game. That gives us a window to break down both remaining fixtures and where the value sits for Nigerian punters.

How we got here

Spain dismantled France 2-0 in Dallas on July 14, playing with the kind of control that’s defined their tournament since the group stage. La Roja have not lost a game in this World Cup and go into Sunday’s final chasing their first title since 2010.

Argentina’s route was far more dramatic. Lionel Messi’s side trailed England for long stretches in the second semifinal before scoring twice late on to win 2-1 and book a return to the final. It’s a huge moment for the defending champions — win on Sunday and Argentina become the first side to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962.

Third-place playoff: France vs England

Saturday, July 18 — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami — kick-off 10:00 PM WAT

Neither France nor England wanted to be here — both arrived in the US among the pre-tournament favourites — but the bronze medal match still carries pride, and betting interest, given the quality on both teams’ books.

France should have more in the tank going forward with their attacking talent, but disappointment from the Spain defeat can cut either way — some sides go through the motions in third-place games, others use it to salvage the tournament. England have shown resilience all tournament and won’t want to end on back-to-back defeats.

Tip: Over 2.5 Goals — Odds around 1.85 on Bet9ja and SportyBet. Third-place matches are notoriously open, with both sides more willing to attack than in a final, and these two have combined for goals throughout the knockout rounds.

World Cup 2026 Final: Spain vs Argentina

Sunday, July 19 — MetLife Stadium, New Jersey — kick-off 8:00 PM WAT

This is the matchup neutrals wanted. Spain’s fluid, possession-based approach against Argentina’s mix of Messi’s craft and a defence that has tightened up considerably since the group stage.

Spain go in as the more clinical side on paper — they’ve conceded fewer goals and controlled more matches from start to finish. Argentina have shown they can win ugly, which is often what knockout football rewards. Messi, playing what could be his final World Cup match, will have the emotional pull of the neutrals, but Spain’s squad depth looks stronger across the pitch.

Tip: Spain to Win — Odds around 2.10 on BetKing and Bet9ja. La Roja’s control of games all tournament, plus a settled, well-drilled squad, edges it for us — though this is far from a one-sided pick given Argentina’s habit of raising their level in the biggest games.

Alternative angle — Both Teams to Score: Odds around 1.70. Argentina have found a way to score in every knockout game so far, and Spain’s attack has rarely gone quiet for 90 minutes.

We fancy Spain’s control to be the difference on the night, but a final between two teams this evenly matched deserves respect — stake sensibly and treat both picks as value plays, not certainties.

Where to bet

Nigerian punters can back both fixtures on Bet9ja, SportyBet and BetKing, all of which carry live in-play markets for the third-place game and final. Check our best betting sites in Nigeria guide before you stake, and always gamble responsibly — set a budget for the weekend and stick to it.

With the trophy on the line Sunday night, this World Cup is building to the finish it deserves. Nigerian fans without a team in the mix still have every reason to tune in — a Messi swansong, a Spain side chasing history, and a genuine 50-50 final on the biggest stage in football.

Responsible gambling: Betting should be for entertainment only. Only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you, contact the NLRC helpline.