Spain vs Argentina

A World Cup final between two elite sides with no recorded head-to-head in this packet. Spain has the meanest defense in the tournament (5 straight WC clean sheets until Portugal; only 4 goals conceded in last 10) and a ball-dominant midfield of Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz that should control tempo.

Argentina are perfect in their last 10 (10 wins) with elite forwards in Lautaro and Messi plus a proven big-game mentality and Emiliano Martínez in goal, but conceded 2 in each of their last two knockout wins (Cape Verde, Egypt), showing defensive vulnerability. Spain's superior defensive solidity and midfield control give them a slight edge, but the margins in a final are thin, so a tight, low-scoring game—often decided by a single goal or a draw into extra time—is most likely.