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World Cup Final 2026: Who’s Ahead in Terms of Spain vs Argentina Player-vs-Player Comparisons?

Subhadeep Roy · · 4 min read
World Cup Final 2026: Who’s Ahead in Terms of Spain vs Argentina Player-vs-Player Comparisons?
France v Spain: Semi Final – FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball 2026 Marc Cucurella of Spain back view during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, United States. Arlington Dallas Stadium TX United States Copyright: xAllstarxPicturexLibraryxLtdx

The Spain vs Argentina World Cup final 2026 is a much-anticipated affair. On the one hand, there is Spain, who have conceded only one goal in the World Cup so far. On the other hand, there is Argentina, who have bounced back to overturn deficits repeatedly in the tournament.

Spain vs Argentina should be a close match, as a World Cup final should be. However, who is ahead in terms of the player-vs-player comparisons between the two teams? Let us have a look:

Player-vs-Player Comparisons in the Spain vs Argentina World Cup Final 2026

Unai Simon vs Emi Martinez

Unai Simon must be really good to keep David Raya out of the playing XI.

Emiliano Martinez is a great shot-stopper and a proven performer for Argentina, but Simon has played better in this tournament and conceded far fewer goals. On current form, Simon edges it.

Verdict: Simon (Spain)

Pedro Porro vs Nahuel Molina

Pedro Porro has scored two goals in the World Cup 2026 so far and looked great while going forward. He also did a creditable job of keeping the left side of the French attack silent in the semi-final.

Nahuel Molina is a decent right-back, but Porro is obviously better at the moment.

Verdict: Porro (Spain)

Pau Cubarsi vs Christian Romero

It is really close, with Pau Cubarsi hardly putting a step wrong and Christian Romero scoring a couple of goals in the tournament with headers.

However, because of his cleaner game and better ball skills, Cubarsi wins this battle, but not by much.

Verdict: Cubarsi (Spain)

Aymeric Laporte vs Lisandro Martinez

Aymetic Laporte has been an absolute rock this World Cup.

Lisandro Martinez has also been quite good, but remains a player likely to see yellow cards frequently. Laporte wins this duel at the moment.

Verdict: Laporte (Spain)

Marc Cucurella vs Nicolas Tagliafico

Nicolas Tagliafico is a hard-working left-back with speedy overlapping runs.

However, Cucurella is arguably the best left-back in the world at the moment and has certainly been this World Cup’s best one.

Verdict: Cucurella (Spain)

Rodri vs Leandro Paredes

Leandro Paredes has been good in shielding the Argentine defence since making his way into the Argentine playing XI.

However, Rodri is a contender for the Golden Ball with his consistently great performances. This is a no-brainer.

Verdict: Rodri (Spain)

Fabian Ruiz vs Enzo Fernandez

Fabian Ruiz is an important player for his ability to play alongside Rodri in the double-pivot. However, Enzo Fernandez has been one of the better players for Argentina with two goals in the tournament so far.

Verdict: Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)

Dani Olmo vs Alexis Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister has been quite good in a wide role on the left for Argentina, which is not his natural position.

However, Olmo’s ability to play box-to-box at times and link the defence with the attack is a very vital one. Olmo’s quick passing is also an asset to the team.

Verdict: Dani Olmo (Spain)

Lamine Yamal vs Giovanni Simeone

Simeone is a very pacey winger capable of troubling the opposition left-back consistently.

However, Yamal is one of the best players in the world and will be a key man for Spain in the World Cup final 2026.

Verdict: Yamal (Spain)

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Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Brentford FC LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool s Mohamed Salah is emotionla as he touches the badge and waves to the home supporters after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended 1-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe Propaganda) LIVERPOOL Anfield MERSEYSIDE ENGLAND Copyright: xDavidxRawcliffex P2026-05-24-Liverpool_Brentford-145

Mikel Oyarzabal vs Lionel Messi

Mikel Oyarzabal has again delivered the goods while playing for Spain. He has five goals in the tournament so far.

However, Lionel Messi’s performances at 39 have been making him appear a decade younger. The Argentine will be a man the Spaniards will be wary of in the Spain vs Argentina World Cup final 2026.

Verdict: Messi (Argentina)

Alex Baena vs Julian Alvarez

Alex Baena will have the crucial responsibility of falling back and helping Spain stop Messi in the World Cup final 2026.

However, Julian Alvarez is probably a better footballer with a better ability to score goals.

Verdict: Alvarez (Argentina)

Subhadeep Roy

Subhadeep Roy is an experienced football writer with a particular interest in analysis of matches and club news. He follows the Premier League primarily and has been covering football for various websites since 2018.

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