Reigning World Cup champions, Argentina, will face Spain, Euro 2024 winners, in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the New York/New Jersey stadium on Sunday night. Lionel Messi and Rodri have been the inspiration and lynchpin for both sides respectively, but the teams are much more than their captains. We look at the players that could also prove decisive in the climax and final match of the Mundial.
UNAI SIMON
Questions were asked of the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper before the start of the tournament if he would keep his number one spot ahead of Arsenal’s David Raya, and he has been backed by Spain coach Luis De La Fuente. Simon has repaid the faith of the coaching crew in him with six clean sheets in seven World Cup matches. He did not concede in the group stage and was only beaten by a Charles de Kataelere header in the quarter-final.
Simon has not had much to do due to Spain’s domination of possession, but showed he is ready to save the day with his command of the penalty area, especially against Portugal and France. He will likely face more shots against Argentina and his performance could be the foundation for a second title for Spain.
JULIA ALVAREZ
The Atletico Madrid main man is one to look out for in this encounter. He found the breakthrough for Argentina against Switzerland and has been an important player in the other knockout round matches. He has five World Cup goals since the 2022 World Cup debut- four in the knockout stages- and could use his experience of the Spanish players from La Liga to Argentina’s advantage.
LAMMIE YAMAL
Lamine Yamal
Yamal faces Messi, the one who gave him the iconic bath, and could be set to hurt his predecessor in this final. The 19-year-old winger’s trickery is well known, but Yamal has added maturity and decision making to his game. His quick-thinking won the penalty kick that handed Spain the lead in the semi-final, and was a constant threat throughout. He will draw fouls and players to himself or create if given the oportunity to roam.
ALEXIS MACALLISTER
Argentina are set to chase shadows against Spain’s elite-passing midfield, but the man that can lead the resistance in the middle of the park is Liverpool’s MacAllister. the tough-tackling and battle-hardened midfielder knows when to draw niggling fouls to disrupt Spain’s attacking build-up rhythm, and this would be expected tonight. Also. he is a dangerman on corner kicks and could chip in an important goal if he finds the opportunity.
MIKEL OYARZABAL
The 29-year-old Real Sociedad striker and captain is a sly Fox in front of goal. Quietly unassuming but ruthlessly effective when given the opportunities either through chances created or penalties. He has scored five goals at this tournament and maintains a conversion rate of one goal in just over two shots, and his one assist means he either scores or helps with every three chances that comes his way. He does not tangle with centre backs but roam freely until the moment arrives, and this could give Argentina defenders Christian Romero and Lisandro Martinez a nightmarish night.
NICO GONZALEZ
When things go wrong for Argentina, Gonzalez is one of the first players coach Lionel Scaloni sends on to change the game. The 28-year-old winger has made six appearances, all from the bench, but ranks second on the list of players that make successful runs behind defences. He is also second behind Messi for chances created by an Argentina player (4 chances), and has one assist. His entry changed the game against England in the semi-final where he also hit the post, and he would be ready to provide same if things do not go as planned for the reigning champions.
