Spain's Blueprint For FIFA World Cup Glory: Four Reasons They'll Beat Argentina

Published 16 July 2026 · sports

Spain's Blueprint For FIFA World Cup Glory: Four Reasons They'll Beat Argentina Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 19:49 IST Spain boast the tournament's

Spain's Blueprint For FIFA World Cup Glory: Four Reasons They'll Beat Argentina Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 19:49 IST Spain boast the tournament's best defence, unmatched squad balance and perfect timing. Here are four reasons many believe La Roja will beat Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup. Rapid Read (Credit: AP) Spain head into Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final against Argentina with momentum, confidence and perhaps the most complete team left in the tournament. Lionel Messi’s Argentina have shown remarkable resilience, producing another comeback to edge England in the semi-finals. But many pundits believe Luis de la Fuente’s side have every ingredient needed to lift the trophy for the second time in their history. Here’s why Spain enter the final as slight favourites. Spain Simply Don’t Concede Championship-winning teams are built on solid foundations, and no team has defended better than Spain. La Roja have conceded just one goal in seven matches, with Belgium the only side to breach their defence in a 2-1 quarter-final defeat. Since then, Spain have completely shut down two of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks in France and Austria. Against France, a team that had scored 16 goals before the semi-final, Spain barely allowed Kylian Mbappe and company a meaningful chance.

Their relentless pressing, disciplined back line and ability to monopolise possession make them incredibly difficult to break down. If Argentina are to retain their title, they will have to solve the toughest defence at the tournament. There Is No Messi Dependency Unlike Argentina, whose fortunes often revolve around Lionel Messi, Spain can hurt opponents from virtually every position. Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Pedro Porro have all produced decisive moments during the tournament. Even De la Fuente’s biggest selection calls have paid off. Benching Pedri in favour of a more balanced midfield against France proved inspired, as Spain completely dominated possession and dictated every phase of the game. That balance means opponents cannot focus on stopping just one player. Spain Have Peaked At Exactly The Right Time The hallmark of champions is finding top form when it matters most. Spain’s 2-0 dismantling of France was arguably the performance of the tournament. Every line functioned perfectly, from the aggressive high press to Rodri’s control in midfield and Oyarzabal’s clinical finishing. Rodri has completed a record 655 passes at a single World Cup, underlining just how dominant Spain have become with the ball.