Semifinal Wrap Up: World Cup final Spain vs Argentina - Outright Odds Update

World Cup final Spain vs Argentina is set to deliver a genuine clash of styles at MetLife Stadium. Spain's ruthless, near-unbeatable run continued with a win over France, while Argentina produced yet another late, dramatic comeback to see off England.

Sunday's final pits Spain against the defending champions and is already being framed as Lionel Messi against the next generation, led by Lamine Yamal. Here's how both semifinals unfolded, and where the outright odds now stand.

World Cup final Spain vs Argentina: The Game Is Set

Semifinal 1 Recap: Spain 2-0 France

Spain beat tournament favourites France 2-0 on Tuesday, extending their unbeaten run to 37 matches, a streak stretching back to a 1-0 loss to Colombia in March 2024, and one that ties Italy's record for the longest unbeaten run by a national team. It's Spain's first World Cup final appearance since they won the tournament in 2010.

Semifinal 2 Recap: Argentina 2-1 England

Argentina's route to the final has been the story of the tournament. Trailing 1-0 after an Anthony Gordon goal deep into the second half, the defending champions again found a way through in the closing stages: Enzo Fernandez levelled with a stunning strike from 20 yards in the 85th minute, and substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home the winner in the second minute of stoppage time, from a Messi assist.

It's the third time this tournament Argentina have come from behind late in a knockout match, and it sends them to a second straight World Cup final and a seventh overall, tying Brazil for the second-most final appearances in tournament history behind Germany.

Updated World Cup Outright Odds for the Final

Spain enter the final as clear favourites, having knocked pre-tournament favourites France off top spot in the outright market. Check the outright odds tracker at Sportsbet.io for the latest movement as we approach Sunday.

The Storylines Behind the Final

• Messi vs Yamal: A photo from 2007 shows a young Messi posing with a baby during a UNICEF appearance, that baby was Lamine Yamal. Nearly two decades later, the two will share a World Cup final pitch, one likely playing his last tournament, the other at the very start of his.
• Argentina's back-to-back bid: A win would make Argentina only the second nation ever to win consecutive World Cups, after Brazil in 1958 and 1962, and a fourth title overall.
• Spain's second title: Spain are chasing only their second World Cup, 16 years after their first in 2010, and would do it off the back of a genuinely historic unbeaten run.
• Messi's role has changed: He hasn't scored in Argentina's last two matches, but has three assists in that time, including setting up both goals against England, still the tournament's most influential player without needing to be its top scorer.

How to Bet on the World Cup Final

• Outright winner: Back Spain or Argentina to lift the trophy on the World Cup matches page.
• Anytime goalscorer: With Messi playing more of a creative role lately, backing him for an assist alongside a goalscorer market on a Spanish or Argentine forward could be worth considering.
• In-play betting: Follow the final live via the World Cup 2026 hub.

Odds will keep moving right up to kick-off on Sunday, so treat any figure in this article as a snapshot and check live pricing before you bet.

FAQs: World Cup Final

Who is playing in the World Cup final?

Spain face Argentina on Sunday 19 July at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

What was the score in both semifinals?

Spain beat France 2-0, and Argentina beat England 2-1 with a dramatic late comeback.

Who is favourite to win the World Cup final?

Spain priced around +125 to +130, with Argentina next at +260 to +275 and the draw in between.

Can Argentina win back-to-back World Cups?

Yes, if they beat Spain on Sunday, it would make them only the second nation in history to win consecutive titles, after Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Has Spain won the World Cup before?

Yes, in 2010. This is their first final appearance since that win.

Where can I bet on the World Cup final?

You can check live odds and betting markets on the World Cup matches page and the World Cup 2026 hub at Sportsbet.io.

World Cup final Spain vs Argentina: The Last Game Awaits

Spain's historic unbeaten run against Argentina's remarkable knack for late drama, Sunday's final has everything. Check the latest odds on the World Cup matches page, browse the outright odds tracker, and see the current promotions available at Sportsbet.io.

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