Lionel Messi stands on the verge of history once again as Argentina prepares to face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday at East Rutherford, New Jersey. A victory would give Argentina back-to-back World Cup titles and their fourth overall, further cementing their status as a modern dynasty. Spain, meanwhile, returns to the biggest stage for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2010, riding an astonishing 37-match unbeaten streak that has made them the team no one wants to face. The two sides have met fourteen times previously, splitting six wins apiece with two draws, making this finale as even on paper as any recent championship match.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET, and oddsmakers have installed Spain as the favorites despite Argentina’s pedigree. FanDuel Sportsbook lists Spain at plus-130 on the ninety-minute money line, with Argentina at plus-260 and a draw at plus-195. The over/under sits at 2.5 goals, reflecting expectations of a tight, tactical affair between two sides that rarely give much away. To lift the trophy outright, Spain is listed at minus-154, while Argentina checks in at plus-134.
For bettors looking for guidance, SportsLine’s Martin Green has been one of the most reliable voices in soccer handicapping over the past year. Green has posted a 20-9 record on his World Cup picks, good for a profit of more than $900, and he was profitable across multiple leagues last year, including the Champions League and Bundesliga. His analysis of Sunday’s final leans toward the under, pointing to Spain’s defensive dominance throughout the tournament. La Roja have outscored opponents 13-1 across seven matches, recording six clean sheets along the way. Dating back to last September in qualifying, they have thirteen wins and four draws while allowing just four goals total.
Argentina’s path has been more open, having outscored opponents 19-7, but Green notes that Lionel Scaloni’s side has yet to encounter anything resembling this Spanish defense. Still, he cautions against counting out a squad led by Messi. You have to admire Argentina’s never-say-die attitude, Green said, adding that they are always in with a chance when Messi is leading the attack. Beyond his lean on the total, Green has identified what he calls a critical x-factor and locked in two plus-money best bets for the match, though those picks are available only through SportsLine.
Whatever happens Sunday afternoon in New Jersey, the soccer world is bracing for something special. Spain brings structure, possession, and youthful brilliance through Lamine Yamal. Argentina brings heart, experience, and perhaps one last shot at glory for the greatest player of all time. For fans looking to watch, the match will stream on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers eager to catch every moment of what could be an instant classic.
