World Cup Final: Spain vs. Argentina official line-ups, Juventus player starts | OneFootball

Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez starts the 2026 World Cup Final with Lionel Messi for Argentina, with Lautaro Martinez and Nico Paz on the bench against Lamine Yamal’s Spain.

It kicks off at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

Argentina are defending the title they won in 2022 in Qatar, although their path to the Final has been scrappy, with a series of comeback and late victories.

Lautaro Martinez was Capocannoniere in Serie A this season with Inter and scored the last-gasp winner against England in the semi-final, but he is once again dropped in favour of Julian Alvarez.

Como star Nico Paz is also on the bench, but the big change is seeing Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez chosen ahead of Giuliano Simeone – brother to Torino striker Giovanni, and born in Italy when his father Diego was at Lazio.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15: Lautaro Martinez #22 of Argentina scores his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Spain have been getting stronger as the tournament went on, drawing the opener with Cape Verde, needing late goals to get the better of Uruguay, Portugal and Belgium.

They put on a masterclass to sweep favourites France aside 2-0 in the semi-final, and Mikel Oyarzabal has five goals in the World Cup so far.

There were a few concerns over Lamine Yamal’s left thigh, but the Barcelona talent has shaken off the knock to play with Dani Olmo and Alex Baena.

Former Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz is once more picked instead of Pedri.

If Argentina win, they will go level with Italy and Germany by winning the World Cup four times, behind only Brazil with five.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 07: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after the 3-2 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Spain vs. Argentina line-ups

Spain: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal

Argentina: E Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister, Nico Gonzalez; Messi, J Alvarez