2026 World Cup Final Best Bets (July 19): Spain vs. Argentina

History can be made on Sunday afternoon when Argentina and Spain meet on the pitch in the World Cup Final. If Argentina wins, it will achieve the rare feat of repeating as Cup champs.

(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

But Spain, which has conceded only one goal in this tournament, will have much to say about that. Oddsmakers list Spain as the favorites, but after Argentina’s thrilling late victories in recent matches, who can count them out?

• Spain vs. Argentina, 3 p.m. ET, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Both rosters are healthy, with no players on the injured list.

Tune in to FOX, FOX ONE, Telemundo, or Peacock to see the World Cup final match today.

2026 World Cup Final Odds for Sunday, July 19

On Saturday I hit on one of my two Best Bets. I’m now 5-1 in my most recent World Cup Best Bets.

Moneyline (90 Minutes)

• Spain: +125
• Argentina: +255
• Draw: +200

To Win the World Cup

• Spain: -150
• Argentina: +130

Odds in this article are from DraftKings Sportsbook. If you need to download a betting app, consult our list of the Best Sports Betting Offers.

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FIFA World Cup Final Best Bets: Spain vs. Argentina (July 19)

You want to see the best players and best teams competing for the title, no matter which sport: basketball or soccer. That’s what we have today in New Jersey with Spain vs. Argentina in the World Cup final.

It’s not just Messi who lifts the profile of the final match. The talent on the pitch today is among the best in the world.

88% of the players on the two teams in the finals are from one of the “Big Five” circuits: Premier League (England), the Bundesliga (Germany), LaLiga (Spain), Ligue 1 (France), and Serie A (Italy).

Argentina has a unique camaraderie and cohesiveness that extends from the pitch into the stands where its fans are connected via national pride. Messi and Co. are relentless, and that will has shown many times as La Selección has come from behind to advance.

For the first time in World Cup history, the current champions of Europe and the current champions of South America are meeting in the final. This is in a sense Continent vs. Continent, with more than one billion people expected to view the broadcast of the match.

For Spain, every player on its roster was born in Spain. This is truly a “homegrown” club. Which is important because in that country, players are taught the same system from when they’re little kids and on up through junior leagues and onto the national team.

The system Spain utilizes to control possession and dampen its opposition’s scoring chances is built on crisp, tight passes and discipline. Physical talent is important, of course. But more important is a “futbol IQ” that enables Spanish players to use technical mastery on the pitch.

On Sunday, the onus is on Argentina to crack the code of the Spanish system called “Cantera,” and pepper shots on-target. Spain has allowed only 12 corners the entire tourney, and Argentina will need to increase on that number if it wishes to get the win. If it cannot, Spain and its superstar Lamine Yamal could win to nil, as many experts think it will.

Key Stats for this match

• Since October 2024, Spain has a record of 18 wins, seven draws, and no defeats.
• Spain has produced 13 shutouts in its last 17 matches.
• Spain is conceding only 0.3 Expected Goals.
• The team that scored first has won six of the last seven World Cup final matches (SOURCE, ESPN score sheets).
• Two of the last three World Cup finals have gone to extra time.

Best Bet No. 1: Lionel Messi to Assist

Lionel Messi has registered a goal or an assist in every match of this World Cup. In the semifinals, he recorded two assists late in the match to spur his team to a dramatic win. In what is almost certainly his last World Cup match, I expect Messi to use his deft passing skill to set up a teammate.

• Lionel Messi 1+ Assist (+300, DraftKings)

Best Bet No. 2: Total Goals

Argentina is averaging 2.7 goals and 5.3 corners per match in this tournament. If they score at least once and reach that number of corners in the final, my $100 wager will win $330.

• Argentina to Score 1+ Goals and Record 5+ Corners (+330, DraftKings)