Spain vs Argentina predicted lineups: starting XIs and team news as Yamal and Messi set to start

Spain vs Argentina predicted lineups are the last piece of the puzzle before Sunday's World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, and the name everyone wants ticked off is Lamine Yamal. The 19-year-old limped late in Spain's 2-0 semi-final win over France, and half the country held its breath. Luis de la Fuente waved it away, and nothing in the reporting suggests the teenager will miss his first World Cup final.

Last updated 16 July 2026. Team sheets are confirmed roughly an hour before kick-off, so every side below is predicted, not official.

Spain vs Argentina predicted lineups: the state of play

Both managers are expected to trust the sides that got them here. The only names nobody is debating are the two biggest: Messi for Argentina, Yamal for Spain. Everything else, from Spain's pivot to Scaloni's forward pairing, stays open until the sheets drop.

Spain predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

De la Fuente has leaned on the same framework all tournament and is likely to keep it.

Predicted Spain XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Rodri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.

The one real selection question is the man next to Rodri in the double pivot. Zubimendi has held the shirt, but Fabian Ruiz is pushing hard, and de la Fuente may fancy an extra passer against Argentina's midfield. The front four picks itself: Yamal and Olmo flanking Baena, Oyarzabal through the middle.

Argentina predicted XI (4-1-3-2)

Scaloni's shape invites more debate, though the spine looks settled.

Predicted Argentina XI (4-1-3-2): E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez.

Paredes anchors, with De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Mac Allister in front of him and Messi drifting off Julian Alvarez. That is the likeliest eleven, but Scaloni still has calls to make.

Spain team news: Yamal and Porro

Yamal's limp set off the alarms, yet the camp is relaxed and he is expected to start. Pedro Porro is the marginally bigger doubt after a muscular problem in the same match against France, though he too is anticipated to recover in time. The reporting points to both featuring, so read any talk of them being ruled out with caution.

Argentina team news: Messi and Scaloni's calls

Messi is expected to start despite earlier injury talk, and with eight goals in the tournament he is Argentina's talisman. The open questions sit around him. Scaloni is reported to be weighing whether to partner Messi with Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez up top, and whether to keep De Paul or hand Simeone a start in midfield. Those calls will only be settled on the team sheet.

FAQ

Is Yamal fit for the final? He is expected to start. He limped late against France, but de la Fuente played down the knock and nothing suggests he will miss out.

Will Messi start for Argentina? Yes, he is expected to start, having scored eight goals across the tournament.

What formation will Spain play? A 4-2-3-1 built on Rodri, with Yamal, Olmo and Oyarzabal carrying the attacking threat.

When are the lineups confirmed? Official team sheets land about an hour before the 3:00pm ET / 8:00pm BST kick-off at MetLife Stadium on Sunday 19 July.