Best finishers, defensive kings & runners – World Cup finalists in numbers
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
Argentina has demonstrated clinical attacking prowess throughout the tournament, scoring 19 goals with particular strength from distance—five long-range strikes compared to Spain's complete absence from outside the box. This offensive efficiency reflects consistent finishing quality rather than sheer volume of chances. Spain, meanwhile, has built their campaign on suffocating defensive organisation, conceding just a single goal and maintaining the lowest defensive expected goals rating in the competition.
The final pits contrasting philosophies: Spain combines aggressive possession-based pressing with a high work rate, winning possession frequently in advanced areas to starve opponents of opportunities. Argentina takes a more economical approach, outrun in total distance by every opponent yet emerging victorious through efficient execution. Spain's defensive solidity and tempo control face Argentina's proven ability to finish decisive moments, with fitness and intensity unlikely to prove decisive given Argentina's rest management and the extended periods already played.
In short
- Argentina leads 19-13 in goals with superior long-range finishing; Spain has conceded only 1 goal, the tournament's best defensive record
- Spain's high-intensity pressing and possession control restricts opposition chances; Argentina succeeds through clinical efficiency despite lower work rate
- Different paths to victory: Argentina's offensive prowess vs Spain's defensive solidity and tempo control
Explained simply
The World Cup final sees Argentina and Spain competing in contrasting styles. Both teams have reached the championship match, but they have taken very different approaches to football.
Argentina has been impressive in attack, scoring 19 goals with five from long range, demonstrating clinical finishing and the ability to be dangerous from distance. They favour an economical style, converting their chances effectively rather than dominating the ball.
Spain has built their campaign on defensive mastery, conceding just one goal throughout the tournament. They control matches by dominating possession and pressing opponents to prevent them creating chances, a strategy fundamentally different from Argentina's more direct, efficient approach.