Updated July 16, 2026
Spain vs Argentina lineups: World Cup final starting XI and injury news
Official Spain vs Argentina lineups are not out yet. Here are the projected XIs, injury checks, release time and selection decisions that matter before the World Cup 2026 final at MetLife Stadium.
Fast answer
Are Spain vs Argentina lineups confirmed?
Current status
Official lineups not out yet
FIFA has not published the official Spain vs Argentina starting XIs. Treat the teams below as projected lineups until the official match sheet drops.
Release window
About one hour before kickoff
With kickoff scheduled for 3:00 PM ET, expect official lineups around the 2:00 PM ET window on final day.
Most important checks
Messi, Yamal and the front lines
The key questions are whether Argentina pair Messi with Julian Alvarez or Lautaro, and how Spain balance Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Projected teams are useful before the match sheet drops, but the official XIs are the line to trust on final day. The matchup can change quickly if Spain alter their left wing or Argentina choose a more defensive partner around Messi.
Projected XIs
Spain vs Argentina predicted starting lineups
Projected Spain XI
Expected to keep the gloves unless Spain make an unexpected late change.
His semifinal role and final-third delivery make him a strong starting option.
Important against Argentina's central combinations and box movement.
Left-footed distribution helps Spain build under pressure.
Energy and one-v-one defending matter against Argentina's right-sided rotations.
Spain's control point; Argentina will try to deny easy turns through him.
Gives Spain the cleaner passing rhythm between midfield and the front line.
Ball carrying and late box arrivals make him hard to drop if fit.
The headline selection question is not whether he starts, but how Argentina protect against him.
Can start as the connector if Spain prefer control over a pure running No. 9.
Fitness and workload are the checks; if he starts, Argentina must defend both wings honestly.
Projected Argentina XI
No debate if fit; Argentina's penalty and late-game anchor.
Offers recovery pace behind Argentina's right side.
The aggressive centre-back Spain will try to pull out of shape.
Experience matters if Spain force long defensive spells.
A defensive choice if Argentina want protection against Yamal's side switches.
Work rate and Messi support keep him central to the setup.
Useful for first passes through pressure and set-piece delivery.
Connects midfield to the front line when Spain compress the middle.
Expected to start if there is no late fitness issue; the shape around him is the question.
Pressing and running power make him the safer partner if Argentina need defensive work.
Could start or be held as the finishing option if the match opens late.
Release time
When official lineups should come out
| Region | Date | Lineup window | Kickoff note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife / ET | Sunday, July 19 | Around 2:00 PM ET | Kickoff is 3:00 PM ET |
| UK / BST | Sunday, July 19 | Around 7:00 PM BST | Kickoff is 8:00 PM BST |
| Spain / CEST | Sunday, July 19 | Around 8:00 PM CEST | Kickoff is 9:00 PM CEST |
| Argentina / ART | Sunday, July 19 | Around 3:00 PM ART | Kickoff is 4:00 PM ART |
| India / IST | Sunday, July 19 | Around 11:30 PM IST | Kickoff is 12:30 AM Monday |
Selection calls
Four lineup decisions that can change the final
Watch
Argentina: Alvarez or Lautaro
Julian Alvarez gives Argentina more pressing and channel running. Lautaro Martinez gives a stronger penalty-box finish. The official XI will say whether Argentina expect to chase Spain or punish them late.
Watch
Argentina: left-back protection
Spain can isolate Lamine Yamal on the right. Tagliafico is the conservative read, while a more attacking full-back would ask Argentina's midfield to cover more space.
Watch
Spain: Oyarzabal or a faster central option
Oyarzabal helps Spain combine and slow the game. A faster forward would target Argentina's centre-backs earlier and change the first pressing cue.
Watch
Spain: Williams fitness and width
If Nico Williams starts, Spain can stretch both sides. If he is limited or rotated, Argentina can tilt more defensive help toward Yamal.
Team news
Injury and suspension watch before kickoff
- No final lineup should be treated as locked until FIFA publishes the official teamsheet.
- Check whether Spain report any late concern around Nico Williams or the left-side attacking role.
- Check Argentina's final training notes for Messi workload language, even if he is still expected to start.
- Review semifinal minutes before judging freshness: Spain have the longer recovery window, while Argentina played one day later.
- Suspension and disciplinary updates matter most for defenders and midfielders because one missing starter can change the whole pressing plan.
Spain vs Argentina lineups FAQ
Are the Spain vs Argentina lineups confirmed?
No. As of July 16, the official Spain vs Argentina starting lineups have not been released. The projected XIs are pre-match team news until FIFA publishes the official teamsheet.
When do official World Cup final lineups come out?
Official lineups are normally released about one hour before kickoff. For Spain vs Argentina, that means around 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM BST, 8:00 PM CEST in Spain and 3:00 PM ART in Argentina.
Is Messi expected to start against Spain?
Messi is expected to start if there is no late fitness issue. The bigger lineup question is which forward and midfield balance Argentina use around him.
Is Lamine Yamal expected to start for Spain?
Yamal is expected to start unless Spain report a late issue. The lineup question is how Spain support him on the right and whether Argentina adjust their left side to protect against him.
What formation will Argentina use against Spain?
Argentina can look like a 4-3-3 or a flexible 4-4-2 depending on Messi's position and whether Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez starts. The official XI will make the front-line plan clearer.
What formation will Spain use against Argentina?
Spain are expected to keep their possession base with Rodri, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz central, while Yamal and the left winger stretch the field. The centre-forward choice decides whether the shape feels more like control or direct pressure.
Next step
Use lineups with the rest of final-day planning
Final hub
Spain vs Argentina final
Kickoff time, venue, routes to the final and wider match context.
Player story
Messi vs Yamal
The final's headline player storyline and the tactical questions behind it.
Award race
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race
How Messi's final and France's third-place match can decide the top-scorer table.
Officials
World Cup final referee tracker
Referee appointment status, VAR crew and match-control watch points.
Coverage trust
Spain vs Argentina lineup sources
Projected lineups remain provisional until FIFA publishes the final match sheet. The sources below cover the official schedule and the latest final-week context.
Official sources
Official FIFA references
AP: Spain vs Argentina final context
apnews.com/article/55077ce5c4728c4207a39cc4aa8a41a1
AP: Argentina semifinal and Messi final context
apnews.com/article/afa13ed9fa933f8b75bd56eb16546031
FIFA official World Cup 2026 match schedule
fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/match-schedule-fixtures-results-teams-stadiums
talkSPORT: final-weekend schedule context
talksport.com/football/world-cup/4236250/third-place-play-off-date-time-location-england-france/