It all comes down to this. After a month-long football fiesta in North America, 48 nations have been rendered down to just two. 

Spain and Argentina have conquered all before them to earn their place in football’s biggest game – the World Cup Final. 

La Roja have made it here on the back of their iron-clad defence which has leaked just a solitary goal this tournament. 

They also starve teams of possession, killing off games in the second half after the inevitable fatigue of chasing shadows sets in.

On the other side of the coin, La Albiceleste have advanced to their second-consecutive World Cup Final on the back of some more Messi magic.

The little maestro continues to deliver on football’s biggest stage, and all eyes will be on him in New Jersey when Argentina aim to add a fourth star to their shirt.

Can they do it? Or is winning back-to-back world titles a stretch too far, even for the greatest footballer of all time? 

So many questions, how about some answers? For the latest betting tips and analysis ahead the World Cup Final, check out our Spain vs Argentina tips and predictions below. 

Spain vs Argentina World Cup Final Predictions

Head-to-Head Prediction

The early odds have Spain installed as solid favourites, although we expect Argentina to close this gap as we get closer to game day. 

While it may seem strange for the reigning World Champions to be underdogs in the game they won four years ago, there is a method to the madness. 

Winning back-to-back World Cups is one of the hardest feats in all of sport and it hasn’t been done since Brazil in 1962.

Then, there’s the matter of breaking down this Spanish side. As previously mentioned, they have conceded just once this entire tournament. 

However, if there is anyone who can breach the Spanish resistance it’s probably the World Cup’s all-time record goal scorer Lionel Messi.

The Argentinian captain has been in fine touch this tournament despite now being 39 years of age and has overseen great escape after great escape during the knockout stages.

They’ve needed late goals in every one of their games outside of the group stages to advance and this never-say-die attitude is exactly what you need to win major finals. 

So, we have the comeback kings up against the tika-taka technicians. The reigning World Champions against the reigning European Champions. Maestro Messi against his heir apparent Lamine Yamal. 

There really is no wrong answer when trying to pick a team here, both are worthy winners in their own rights. However, the narrative surrounding Argentina is simply too irresistible to ignore. 

A headline writer's dream, along with plenty of value for punters who love an underdog, we simply can’t bet against them on this occasion. 

Betting tip: Argentina. 

Correct Score Prediction

Traditionally, World Cup Finals were always cagey affairs, that’s why it’s no surprise to see 1-0 and 1-1 (after regulation time) being the two favourites for this market.

However, during the last two finals, all hell has broken loose. In 2018 there were six goals scored in regular time as France saw off Croatia 4-2. 

While in 2022, the back off the net was once again rippled on six occasions as Argentina and France drew 3-3 after extra time, only for Messi and co to get the job done on penalties.

We can’t see either of these sides being shut out in 90 minutes, but we can also see either extra time or penalties being needed to decide a winner. 

With the wealth of attacking talent that will be on the pitch come kick-off, a high-scoring draw in regulation time seems like an astute value play to us.

Betting tip: 2-2 at the end of regulation time. 

First Goal Prediction

Normally it’s Messi, Messi, Messi whenever it comes to this market and while we are quietly confident the Argentinian ace will find the back of the net in the final, we actually don’t think he will be the first one to do so.

Based on La Albiceleste recent results, they seem to like to go behind before kicking into gear and stealing the match late on.

That has led us to turn our attention to the Spanish attackers to find the first goal scorer for the World Cup Final. 

One man stands out among the rest and that is Mikel Oyarzabal. The Real Sociedad captain has transformed into quite the talisman for La Roja, despite not having a huge profile in club land.

He has scored five times in seven matches at this World Cup and is also on pens. Oyarzabal also has experience finding the net in massive matches and was the man who fired his nation to glory at the Euros two years ago, scoring the winning goal in the final against England. 

Betting tip: Mikel Oyarzabal.

Where to Watch the World Cup Final Between Spain and Argentina

For the first time ever, Sportsbet is offering punters the chance to stream the World Cup Final.

To watch Sportsbet’s live stream of the World Cup Final, you must:

- Be 18+.

- Have a Sportsbet account.

- Be logged into your Sportsbet account.

- Have a positive balance OR have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. 

World Cup streaming is available both in-app and on-web. As long as you meet the above requirements, you’ll be able to tune in on your computer, tablet or phone.

To access the stream for Spain vs Argentina simply find your way to the official betting page for the final. Or, if you have a bet on the game you can watch from your "My Bets" section.

Traditional World Cup broadcaster SBS is also showing every World Cup match, meaning you can also watch Spain vs Argentina on either SBS, SBS Viceland or SBS On Demand. 

Also, to celebrate the momentous occasion that is the World Cup Final, Sportsbet is bringing back its exclusive Super Sub feature!

How does Super Sub work? Well, it’s very simple. Place a bet on select player markets for the World Cup Final and if that player is subbed off your bet rolls over to the new player that replaced them.

For example, if you’ve bet on Julian Alvarez to score during the final and he fails to do so and is directly substituted for Lautaro Martinez who ends up scoring instead, your original bet on Alvarez is paid as a winner! 

Super Sub is not exclusive to goalscoring markets either, it also applies to anytime assist, player to win one or more fouls, shots on target and more, just make sure to read all the T&Cs before locking in your bet.

*18+ Available to Sportsbet customers only. Conditions apply – see sportsbet.com.au

*Odds are subject to change.

Spain vs Argentina Match Details

Date: Monday, July 20, 2026. 

Kick-off: 5:00am AEST.

Location: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. 

Where to watch: Sportsbet, SBS.