Premier League legend Alan Shearer believes Argentina will defeat Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final despite admitting that the match is one of the hardest games to predict. The former England captain says both teams have shown outstanding quality throughout the tournament, but he feels Argentina’s fighting spirit and the presence of Lionel Messi could make the difference when the two football giants meet.
The highly anticipated final will take place on Sunday, July 19, at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Football fans from around the world will be watching as defending champions Argentina take on a Spain side that has impressed throughout the competition. Both nations have enjoyed excellent campaigns, and many experts expect a closely contested battle for the biggest prize in international football.
While opinions remain divided over who will become world champions, Shearer has made it clear that he is backing Lionel Scaloni’s side to successfully defend their title.
Two of the Best Teams Meet in the Final
Argentina and Spain have earned their places in the World Cup final after producing impressive performances throughout the tournament.
Spain booked their place in the final by defeating France 2-0 in the semi-finals. Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the match with confidence and once again showed why many people consider them one of the strongest teams in world football.
Argentina also reached the final after overcoming England in another difficult contest. Lionel Scaloni’s men continued to demonstrate the determination and resilience that have become key characteristics of the team over the past few years.
Now both countries stand just one victory away from becoming world champions. Spain are aiming to win their second World Cup title, while Argentina hope to defend the trophy they lifted four years ago.
With so much quality on both sides, many supporters believe the final could become one of the most memorable matches of the tournament.
Shearer Says the Final Is Difficult to Predict
Although Alan Shearer has chosen Argentina to win, he admitted that making a prediction for such an important match is far from easy.
The former Newcastle United striker believes both teams have shown enough quality to deserve their place in the final. According to him, each side has different strengths that could influence the outcome of the match.
As quoted by Tribal Football, Shearer said:
“Honestly, I think it’s such a difficult one to predict. If I were to discuss Spain, I would say that their performance against France in the semi-finals was exceptional. However, it is the same Spain that struggled to defeat Cape Verde in their opening match of the tournament.
“Moreover, they faced defeat against Switzerland in 2010, despite winning the tournament. I mentioned that I wouldn’t be overly concerned about Spain’s performance then. They are indeed a remarkable team, and their ability to manage and retain possession is extraordinary.
“On the other hand, when you consider Argentina, they have encountered some truly challenging situations. For instance, they were 2-0 down to Egypt and 1-0 down against England, yet they managed to come back. There is something admirable about their tenacity, regardless of personal opinions about them; their courage is commendable. And with Messi on your side, you always have a chance. Therefore, I will confidently say Argentina, simply because of their determination.”
His comments reflect the respect he has for both finalists while explaining why he believes Argentina have a slight advantage.
Spain’s Style Has Impressed Many
One of the biggest reasons Spain have reached the World Cup final is their ability to control games through possession football.
Throughout the tournament, Luis de la Fuente’s team has consistently dominated the ball, creating chances through patient passing and intelligent movement. Their midfield has played a major role in helping Spain dictate the tempo of matches while limiting opportunities for their opponents.
Shearer praised Spain’s ability to keep possession and remain calm under pressure. He believes they are one of the most technically gifted teams in international football.
Even though Spain faced some challenges earlier in the tournament, they responded strongly and continued improving with each match. Their convincing victory over France in the semi-finals further strengthened their reputation as genuine title contenders.
Spain also arrive at the final with tremendous confidence after remaining unbeaten in their last 37 matches, an impressive run that highlights their consistency over a long period.
Argentina’s Fighting Spirit
While Shearer acknowledged Spain’s strengths, he believes Argentina’s resilience could prove decisive in the final.
The defending champions have shown throughout the tournament that they never stop believing, even when facing difficult situations. Argentina have fought back from losing positions on more than one occasion, demonstrating their determination and mental strength.
Shearer pointed to Argentina’s comeback victories against Egypt and England as examples of the team’s character.
Rather than giving up when they fall behind, Lionel Scaloni’s players continue fighting until the final whistle. That never give up attitude has become one of the defining features of the current Argentina squad.
Many football fans admire the way the team stays united during difficult moments. Their confidence and belief often allow them to recover from setbacks that might defeat other teams.
Messi Could Make the Difference
Another major reason Shearer has backed Argentina is the presence of Lionel Messi.
The Argentina captain remains one of the greatest footballers in history and continues to play an important role for his national team. Even at this stage of his career, Messi has the ability to change the outcome of a match with a single moment of brilliance.
Whether through a goal, an assist, or a perfectly timed pass, Messi continues to influence games at the highest level.
Shearer believes having a player of Messi’s quality gives Argentina an advantage in any important match.
Throughout his remarkable career, Messi has repeatedly delivered when his team needed him most. His experience in major finals also provides valuable leadership for the younger members of the squad.
As Argentina prepare for another World Cup final, many supporters will once again look to their captain to inspire the team on football’s biggest stage.
A Rare Meeting Between Two Giants
Although both countries have rich football histories, Argentina and Spain have rarely met on the World Cup stage.
Historically, the two nations have faced each other only once in the competition. That meeting came in 1966, when Argentina claimed a 2-1 victory over Spain.
Many decades have passed since that encounter, and both nations have changed significantly. Today’s players are writing a new chapter in the history of their countries as they prepare to meet in another World Cup final.
The long wait for another meeting adds extra excitement to Sunday’s match, with supporters eager to see which nation will come out on top this time.
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