Keep calm and carry on – Spain trust team identity to deliver World Cup
Spain squad
- Full squad
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1 David RAYA Goalkeeper
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2 Marc PUBILL Defender
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3 Alex GRIMALDO Defender
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4 Eric GARCIA Defender
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5 Marcos LLORENTE Defender
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6 Mikel MERINO Midfielder
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7 Ferran TORRES Forward
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8 Fabian RUIZ Midfielder
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9 GAVI Midfielder
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10 Dani OLMO Forward
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11 Yeremy PINO Forward
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12 Pedro PORRO Defender
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13 Joan GARCIA Goalkeeper
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14 Aymeric LAPORTE Defender
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15 Alex BAENA Midfielder
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16 RODRI Midfielder
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17 Nico WILLIAMS Forward
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18 Martin ZUBIMENDI Midfielder
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19 Lamine YAMAL Forward
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20 PEDRI Midfielder
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21 Mikel OYARZABAL Forward
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22 Pau CUBARSI Defender
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23 Unai SIMON Goalkeeper
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24 Marc CUCURELLA Defender
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25 Victor MUNOZ Forward
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26 Borja IGLESIAS Forward
Argentina squad
- Full squad
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1 Juan MUSSO Goalkeeper
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2 Marcos SENESI Defender
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3 Nicolas TAGLIAFICO Defender
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4 Gonzalo MONTIEL Defender
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5 Leandro PAREDES Midfielder
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6 Lisandro MARTINEZ Defender
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7 Rodrigo DE PAUL Midfielder
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8 Valentin BARCO Midfielder
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9 Julian ALVAREZ Forward
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10 Lionel MESSI Forward
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11 Giovani Lo Celso Midfielder
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12 Geronimo RULLI Goalkeeper
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13 Cristian ROMERO Defender
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14 Exequiel PALACIOS Midfielder
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15 Nico GONZALEZ Midfielder
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16 Thiago ALMADA Forward
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17 Giuliano SIMEONE Forward
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18 Nico PAZ Forward
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19 Nicolas OTAMENDI Defender
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20 Alexis MAC ALLISTER Midfielder
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21 Jose Manuel LOPEZ Forward
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22 Lautaro MARTINEZ Forward
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23 Emiliano MARTINEZ Goalkeeper
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24 Enzo FERNANDEZ Midfielder
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25 Facundo MEDINA Defender
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26 Nahuel MOLINA Defender
In a BBC column ahead of the World Cup 2026 final, former Chelsea and Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta explains why he believes Spain's consistency and collective mentality make them favourites to beat Argentina on Sunday and win a second World Cup, echoing their 2010 triumph. He argues Spain's strength lies not in individual brilliance but in a settled group identity: whatever the scoreline, the team sticks to its possession-based approach rather than reacting rashly, a trait he says has been evident throughout the tournament.
Azpilicueta points to Spain's Euro 2024 win, a 37-game unbeaten run, and a hard-fought semi-final victory over France as sources of national confidence. He notes Spain drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in their opener and needed late goals against Portugal and Belgium, yet never abandoned their style, and adds that Spain have not trailed in any of their seven World Cup games so far. He also assesses Argentina's threat, highlighting Lionel Messi's form and praising former Atletico Madrid teammate Julian Alvarez as a versatile, clinical forward capable of scoring from open play in multiple positions.
In short
- Azpilicueta says Spain's calm, consistent identity will carry them past Argentina.
- Spain are unbeaten in 37 games and haven't trailed in this World Cup.
- He warns Messi and Julian Alvarez pose a major threat for Argentina.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Spain's consistency and team-first mentality represent the surest path to World Cup glory. Their possession-based football, sustained across a 37-game unbeaten run and Euro 2024 triumph, has proved adaptable and durable even through difficult moments—notably their untroubled run to the final without trailing once. This collective identity, prioritising system over individual brilliance, offers more reliable success than teams built around star performers. Spain's refusal to abandon their approach despite early 0-0 and narrow wins demonstrates the mental fortitude required to win tournaments.
The case against
Argentina's status as defending World Cup champions and Messi's proven ability to perform on football's biggest stages present a compelling alternative case. Messi has consistently elevated his performance when it matters most, whilst Julian Alvarez provides the clinical finishing and positional versatility that wins tight matches in tournament football. Argentina's previous World Cup success demonstrates they understand how to manage the intensity and pressure of knockout matches, and their tactical adaptability allows them to respond to different opponents—a flexibility that Spain's system-dependent approach may not match. Experience and proven championship mentality deserve equal weight to consistency alone.
Explained simply
The World Cup 2026 will conclude with a final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday. This match will decide which country wins the tournament, with Spain aiming to claim their second World Cup title after success in 2010.
Spain have built their campaign on consistency and a possession-based style of play. They maintain this approach to football regardless of the score, having achieved a 37-game unbeaten run and won the Euro 2024 tournament.
Argentina feature key players including Lionel Messi and forward Julian Alvarez, who can score from different attacking positions. The match sets Spain's emphasis on team discipline and ball control against Argentina's attacking capabilities and individual talent.