Spain confirmed starting lineup vs Argentina: Luis de la Fuente’s XI for the 2026 World Cup final
Spain names the same starting lineup that defeated Belgium and France, with Pedri beginning on the bench again.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente sticks with the same starting lineup for today’s 2026 World Cup final against Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The Spain boss rewards the XI that started in the team’s last two knockout victories, first against Belgium in the quarterfinals and then against France in the semifinals.
Pedri on the bench vs Argentina
Pedri, one of Spain’s most influential players throughout De la Fuente’s tenure, was surprisingly left out of the starting lineup against Belgium. But rather than disrupting Spain’s rhythm, the change produced a midfield that functioned just as effectively.
With lucky charm Fabián Ruiz partnering Rodri, who has grown stronger with each passing game at the tournament, Spain maintained its control in midfield and booked its place in the final.
That performance, followed by another impressive display against France, means there is little reason for De la Fuente to make changes for the biggest game of the tournament.
Spain’s confirmed lineup vs Argentina
Spain lines up with Unai Simón in goal.
The back four features Pedro Porro at right back, Marc Cucurella at left back, and Pau Cubarsí alongside Aymeric Laporte in central defense. Spain has conceded just one goal throughout the tournament, making its defense one of the biggest reasons it has reached the final.
In midfield, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz anchor the team, with Dani Olmo playing in a more advanced role.
Up front, Lamine Yamal starts on the right wing, Álex Baena on the left, and Mikel Oyarzabal leads the line as Spain’s center forward.
Spain XI for the 2026 World Cup final vs Argentina
Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Olmo, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena.
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