Rabat – Argentina and Spain have announced their starting lineups for Sunday’s highly anticipated 2026 World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi starts alongside Julian Alvarez in attack as the defending champions pursue a second consecutive title and the fourth World Cup crown in their history.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has selected Lamine Yamal on the right side of an attacking unit that also includes Dani Olmo, Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal.
The final begins at 3 p.m. local time, corresponding to 8 p.m. in Morocco. Spain are seeking their second World Cup title, while Argentina are attempting to retain the trophy they won in 2022.
Argentina start Messi and Alvarez together
Emiliano Martinez starts in goal for Argentina behind a four-player defense consisting of Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico.
Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez form the central midfield partnership, with Nicolas Gonzalez and Alexis Mac Allister operating in wider positions.
Messi and Alvarez lead the attack as Argentina look to continue the resilience they demonstrated during their semifinal comeback against England.
Argentina starting lineup: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Gonzalez; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
Yamal leads spain’s attack
Unai Simon retains his place in Spain’s goal, with Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella forming the defense.
Rodri and Fabian Ruiz start at the base of midfield, while Dani Olmo is expected to operate in a more advanced role.
Yamal starts on the right wing, with Baena on the opposite side and Oyarzabal leading the line.
De la Fuente had confirmed before the game that Spain would pay close attention to Messi but would not assign one player to follow the Argentine captain throughout the match.
Spain starting lineup: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Messi and Yamal take center stage
The announced lineups confirm that Messi and Yamal will both begin one of the most anticipated World Cup finals in recent history.
Messi, now 39, could be making his final appearance in the competition, while 19-year-old Yamal is attempting to inspire Spain to their first world title since 2010.
The two Barcelona academy products represent different generations of the club’s history and will face each other on the pitch for the first time.
Beyond the individual focus on Messi and Yamal, the final brings together Argentina’s tournament-leading attack and a Spain side that has relied on possession, midfield control and defensive organization throughout its run.
