Spain's predicted starting XI for the World Cup final
Golden Glove contender Unai Simon has played every minute of every World Cup match this summer, keeping six clean sheets in the process, and he will once again start in goal for Spain. In front of him, we're expecting the same back four that started the famous semi-final victory over France, with Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella all getting the nod. This back four has started five of Spain's seven games so far, including all of the last four, and with Porro even scoring in the semis, their quality certainly isn't limited to the defensive third.
Moving into midfield, and we're predicting the pairing of Rodri and Fabian Ruiz to remain untouched, with Pedri having to settle for a place on the Spanish bench. Captain Rodri has shown the levels that won him his Ballon d'Or in 2024, dictating games with the second-most successful passes per 90 at the 2026 World Cup, and as Ruiz came into the starting XI for the quarter-final & semi-final, Ladbrokes is tipping him to keep his place - with the PSG man's attack-minded skillset complementing Rodri perfectly.
Progressing up the pitch we find Spain's starlet, Lamine Yamal, who will occupy the right-hand side and look to become one of just five teenagers to start & win a World Cup final - a feat that would also be achieved by Cubarsi in defence. The Barcelona winger has already lit up the European stage for club & country, and is now expected to do the same in front of the world. Dani Olmo and Alex Baena are tipped to be the other two creators behind a lone striker, with both men starting every knockout match this summer.
Spain's top scorer, Mikel Oyarzabal, will be leading the line once again for La Roja, with five goals to his name at the 2026 World Cup - including a penalty against France - meaning he continues to be an outsider in the race for the Golden Boot. Thirty goals in 60 appearances is a phenomenal international record, and he'll be the man tasked with breaching the reigning world champions' backline.
