Coral previews Spain vs Argentina in the World Cup final
Lamine Yamal is tipped for a shot on target with Lionel Messi having three or more total shots
Giuliano Simeone is backed for a yellow card with Spain winning a second World Cup
The World Cup has been whittled down from 48 teams to just two as Spain and Argentina go head-to-head in Sunday's final.
Holders Argentina are looking to defend their title in what could be Lionel Messi's final World Cup game, while Spain are appearing in the showpiece for the first time in 16 years as they look to add a second triumph in the competition.
Both teams are also hoping to add a World Cup triumph to go with their continental success, having won the European Championship and Copa America respectively two years ago, so it really feels like a battle of the world's two top teams. The Spanish toppled tournament favourites France to reach the final, with Argentina scoring two late goals to dump out England in the semi-finals.
Check out our expert bet builder tips for Spain vs Argentina, as well as predicted lineups, match info and the latest odds.
Our predicted XI (4-3-3): Simon / Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella / Rodri, Olmo, Ruiz / Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena
Argentina
Our predicted XI (4-2-2-2): E.Martinez / Molina, Romero, Li.Martinez, Tagliafico / Simeone, Paredes, Mac Allister, Fernandez / Messi, Alvarez
Spain vs Argentina bet builder tips
Lamine Yamal to have one or more shots on target
A goal once again eluded Lamine Yamal in their 2-0 win over France in the semi-finals, but it was the only thing that was missing from an outstanding display individually and for Spain overall.
The newly-turned 19-year-old has been averaging 1.4 shots on target per game for La Roja so far, and he will be desperate to make the difference in the final. We're tipping Yamal to test Emiliano Martinez with at least one effort on goal.
Lionel Messi to have three or more shots
It is apprentice vs master in this World Cup final as current Barcelona star Yamal comes up against legendary former Barca man Messi, with the 39-year-old looking to further cement himself as football's greatest ever by helping Argentina become only the third team to defend the World Cup - and the first to do so in 64 years.
Messi has rolled back the years with some superb displays in North America, with the Argentina icon joint-favourite to win the Golden Boot and odds-on to win the Golden Ball. Messi is never afraid to have a shot on goal, having averaged a stunning 4.9 per match at this World Cup so far.
After his two assists to guide Argentina past England, we think he'll try his luck with at least three shots.
Giuliano Simeone to be shown a card
Giuliano Simeone may count himself very lucky to have avoided a booking during Argentina's win over England, with the Atletico Madrid committing five fouls in the first half alone on Wednesday evening.
The 23-year-old leads his teams for fouls per game with three, double any of his team-mates, but he is somehow yet to be booked in the competition. Our experts are predicting his luck to run out here as he finally finds his way into the referee's book.
Spain to win the World Cup
Finally, we're predicting Spain to spoil Messi's farewell and win a second World Cup, whether they do it in normal time, extra-time or via a penalty shootout.
While Argentina have shown extraordinary spirit to dramatically beat Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England in the knockout stage, Spain have shown ruthless efficiency throughout the tournament and their 2-0 win over France was another sign that they have become tournament specialists under Luis de la Fuente.
Having extended their unbeaten competitive run to a record-equalling 37 matches, we're backing them to make the record their own by getting the better of the world champions.
You can bet on these outcomes individually, or group them together into a Spain vs Argentina bet builder, which combines for a 21/2 bet at the time of writing.
Spain vs Argentina in the World Cup is on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST.
Where can I watch Spain vs Argentina?
Spain vs Argentina in the World Cup will be shown live on both BBC One and ITV1 in the UK.
Can you bet on Spain vs Argentina?
Coral are offering customers the chance to bet on a number of Spain vs Argentina markets, including both teams to score, goalscorers and team to qualify.
All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.
