Ahead of the 2026 World Cup final, the main question in the football world is whether Spain or Argentina will claim the championship. In the final, the reigning world champion Argentina and the European champion Spain will face each other for the first time in history in a World Cup final. Former football players have shared their predictions and opinions on this event. Al Jazeera reported on this.
The majority of analysts rate Spain as the favorite for the match. Former football players Michael Owen, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and John Terry particularly emphasized the Spanish team's collective play, ball handling, and attacking consistency. In their opinion, Spanish footballers understand each other well and demonstrate a high level of control on the field.
At the same time, Argentina reached the final with great experience and strong morale. Experts say that Lionel Messi, in his last World Cup, could once again lead his team forward, and the pressure on Argentine footballers in crucial matches may give them an advantage.
According to some former football players, in the final, Spain's attacking and possession-based style will clash with Argentina's disciplined defense and quick counterattacks. Therefore, experts assess this match as a fierce struggle between evenly matched rivals.
The World Cup final will take place today, July 19, at 23:55 Tashkent time, where two football schools — the European style and South American traditions — will compete against each other.
