Ladbrokes previews Spain vs Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, with bet builder tips
Argentina backed to win a second consecutive World Cup, with Lionel Messi having two shots on target
Both teams tipped to score in an entertaining final, with Pedro Porro picking up a card
Ladbrokes brings you an in-depth match preview for Spain vs Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, with the latest odds, predictions, and bet builder tips.
After 103 matches, this Sunday delivers the most anticipated match of the year, with two of the pre-tournament favourites going head-to-head on football's grandest stage. Spain feature in their first final since winning it in 2010, while Argentina are in their second consecutive World Cup showpiece, so with the world watching, who will step up and create history in New Jersey?
Below, we've put together the ultimate Spain vs Argentina bet builder, with all the key match information, predicted lineups, and the latest live betting markets ahead of the World Cup final.
Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, USA
Spain vs Argentina: Score prediction
Our World Cup final prediction: Spain 1-2 Argentina
Spain vs Argentina: Predicted lineups
Spain
Predicted XI for the World Cup final (4-2-3-1): Simon / Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella / Rodri, Ruiz / Yamal, Olmo, Baena / Oyarzabal
Argentina
Predicted XI for the World Cup final (4-1-2-1-2): E. Martinez / Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico / Paredes / De Paul, Mac Allister / Fernandez / Messi, Alvarez
Spain vs Argentina: Bet builder tips
Both teams to score in Spain vs Argentina
To align with our predicted scoreline of 2-1 to Argentina, the first pick of our World Cup final bet builder is for both teams to score, with two of the tournament's most effective frontlines going head-to-head in New Jersey.
Argentina have scored at least two goals in every single game at the 2026 World Cup, but have also conceded in all of their last five, so while their attacking threat is up there with the world's best, they can certainly be breached at the other end. Spain's approach is much more solid, with their six clean sheets breaking a single-tournament record at World Cups, but against the likes of Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez, we do think they'll concede in the final - which is something they've never done before. Seven of the last eight meetings between Spain and Argentina have featured goals for both sides, and with the level of attacking quality at both ends of the pitch, that trend seems set to continue.
So we're backing BTTS in the World Cup final this Sunday, with a close contest delivering the entertainment we're all hoping for.
Lionel Messi to have 2+ shots on target
Odds-on to win another Golden Ball, Lionel Messi is leading the way for both goals and assists at the 2026 World Cup, and we're predicting another huge impact in the final - with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner having at least two shots on target.
The 39-year-old set up both goals in Argentina's semi-final win over England without actually having a shot on goal, but is tipped to test Golden Glove frontrunner Unai Simon in the Spain net this time around as he looks to extend his lead at the top of the all-time World Cup goalscoring charts. Boasting an average of just under five shots per 90 this summer, with more than 50% of them hitting the target, Messi remains his country's most fearsome forward, and with the record-breaker currently tied with Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race, he won't need any extra motivation.
His brace in the 2022 final proves his worth in the biggest moments, so as he looks to drive Argentina to a second successive World Cup trophy, we're backing 2+ shots on target for Messi.
Pedro Porro to be shown a card in the World Cup final
In the biggest game in football, some players are bound to let the occasion get the better of them, and while he's only been booked once so far at the 2026 World Cup, we're tipping Pedro Porro to pick up a card in the final.
There isn't a defender on the planet who would have an easy ride lining up against Lionel Messi and Co, and with Porro committing well over a foul a game this summer, he's certainly no stranger to overstepping the mark - which is easy to do in the most important game of your career. The Tottenham man is dribbled past more than once a game on average, and coming up against the man with more successful dribbles than any other player at the World Cup (Messi), the full-back could be in for a seriously testing evening in New Jersey.
So after scoring the goal to win Spain the semi-final, we're expecting Pedro Porro to have a trickier time in the final against Argentina, being shown a card.
Argentina to beat Spain and win the World Cup
Bringing the curtain down on our World Cup final match preview and predictions, we're backing reigning world champions Argentina to beat Spain and lift the trophy once again, becoming just the third nation to retain the World Cup.
Despite Ladbrokes' latest odds pricing Spain as slight favourites heading into Sunday's showpiece, the experience, passion, and ultimate quality in the Argentina team could easily prove too much for Luis de la Fuente's side - even if they are reigning European champions themselves. The incredible defensive strength of the Spaniards will ensure Argentina really have to work for their win, but with Lionel Scaloni's men currently on a 14-game win streak - and Messi having a goal or assist in his last 11 World Cup games - the world champions always seem to find a way.
So Ladbrokes is backing Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup, becoming just the third nation ever to retain the trophy and condemning Spain to their first-ever defeat in a World Cup final.
You can bet on each of these World Cup final markets individually, or combine them to create a Spain vs Argentina Bet Builder. Plus, with Bet Builder+, you can combine your bet not only with other football matches, but also with different sports.
When is Spain vs Argentina in the World Cup final?
Spain vs Argentina takes place on Sunday, 19 July, with kick-off for the World Cup final scheduled for 20:00 BST.
How can I watch the World Cup final between Spain & Argentina?
The World Cup final, Spain vs Argentina, will be shown live on both ITV and BBC for UK viewers.
Can you bet on Spain vs Argentina in the World Cup final?
Ladbrokes are offering customers the chance to bet on a number of World Cup final markets for Spain vs Argentina, including anytime goalscorer, both teams to score, and cards markets.
