Updated July 20, 2026
Spain vs Argentina lineups archive after Spain's 1-0 final win
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time. The teamsheet window has passed, so this page keeps the lineup context, projected XI archive and selection calls readers may want when revisiting the final.
Fast answer
What is the Spain vs Argentina lineup status now?
Current status
Final complete
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time. This page now keeps the pre-match lineup read alongside the final result rather than presenting it as live team news.
Lineup status
Teamsheet window has passed
Official teamsheets were released before kickoff. The tables below remain a lineup archive and selection guide, not a live confirmation feed.
Most important checks
Messi, Yamal and the front lines
The post-match read is how Argentina supported Messi and how Spain used Yamal, width and midfield control before Ferran Torres' 106th-minute winner.
The official match sheet was the line to trust on final day. After the final, projected teams are useful only as context for how the matchup was expected to work before Spain won in extra time.
Official lineups status
Confirmed Spain and Argentina XIs were released before kickoff
Spain
Final result archived
- Expected release
- Teamsheet window passed
- What to watch
- Spain's 1-0 win makes the useful read post-match: width, centre-forward use and the control-heavy midfield behind the title.
Argentina
Final result archived
- Expected release
- Teamsheet window passed
- What to watch
- Argentina finished runner-up, so the useful read is how the support around Messi worked against Spain's control.
For a post-final reader, the useful questions are how Argentina supported Messi, how Spain kept width, and how the midfield balance helped Spain stay in the match until the 106th-minute winner.
Projected XIs
Spain vs Argentina predicted starting lineups
Projected Spain XI
Expected to keep the gloves unless Spain make an unexpected late change.
His semifinal role and final-third delivery make him a strong starting option.
Important against Argentina's central combinations and box movement.
Left-footed distribution helps Spain build under pressure.
Energy and one-v-one defending matter against Argentina's right-sided rotations.
Spain's control point; Argentina will try to deny easy turns through him.
Gives Spain the cleaner passing rhythm between midfield and the front line.
Ball carrying and late box arrivals make him hard to drop if fit.
The headline selection question is not whether he starts, but how Argentina protect against him.
Can start as the connector if Spain prefer control over a pure running No. 9.
Fitness and workload are the checks; if he starts, Argentina must defend both wings honestly.
Projected Argentina XI
No debate if fit; Argentina's penalty and late-game anchor.
Offers recovery pace behind Argentina's right side.
The aggressive centre-back Spain will try to pull out of shape.
Experience matters if Spain force long defensive spells.
A defensive choice if Argentina want protection against Yamal's side switches.
Work rate and Messi support keep him central to the setup.
Useful for first passes through pressure and set-piece delivery.
Connects midfield to the front line when Spain compress the middle.
Expected to start if there is no late fitness issue; the shape around him is the question.
Pressing and running power make him the safer partner if Argentina need defensive work.
Could start or be held as the finishing option if the match opens late.
Release time
When official lineups came out
| Region | Date | Lineup window | Kickoff note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife / ET | Sunday, July 19 | Around 2:00 PM ET | Kickoff is 3:00 PM ET |
| UK / BST | Sunday, July 19 | Around 7:00 PM BST | Kickoff is 8:00 PM BST |
| Spain / CEST | Sunday, July 19 | Around 8:00 PM CEST | Kickoff is 9:00 PM CEST |
| Argentina / ART | Sunday, July 19 | Around 3:00 PM ART | Kickoff is 4:00 PM ART |
| India / IST | Sunday, July 19 | Around 11:30 PM IST | Kickoff is 12:30 AM Monday |
When teamsheets drop
How to read the official lineups quickly
Confirmed XI check
If Spain name both Yamal and Williams
Argentina cannot overprotect one wing. That usually forces a more conservative full-back plan and puts extra defensive running on the nearest midfielder.
Confirmed XI check
If Argentina start Alvarez with Messi
Expect more pressing, channel runs and defensive work without the ball. If Lautaro starts instead, Argentina may be leaning harder into box finishing.
Confirmed XI check
If either side changes midfield
One extra runner or one extra controller changes the first 20 minutes. That is the fastest way to tell whether the final is built for pressure or patience.
Selection calls
Four lineup decisions that can change the final
Watch
Argentina: Alvarez or Lautaro
Julian Alvarez gives Argentina more pressing and channel running. Lautaro Martinez gives a stronger penalty-box finish. The official XI will say whether Argentina expect to chase Spain or punish them late.
Watch
Argentina: left-back protection
Spain can isolate Lamine Yamal on the right. Tagliafico is the conservative read, while a more attacking full-back would ask Argentina's midfield to cover more space.
Watch
Spain: Oyarzabal or a faster central option
Oyarzabal helps Spain combine and slow the game. A faster forward would target Argentina's centre-backs earlier and change the first pressing cue.
Watch
Spain: Williams fitness and width
If Nico Williams starts, Spain can stretch both sides. If he is limited or rotated, Argentina can tilt more defensive help toward Yamal.
Team news
Post-final lineup notes to check
- Start with the final result: Spain 1-0 Argentina after extra time.
- Use the official match centre for the full team sheet if you need every starter and substitute.
- Read Spain's lineup through control, width and the extra-time finish.
- Read Argentina's lineup through Messi support, left-side protection and how long they could resist Spain's pressure.
- Avoid treating old projected XI graphics as confirmed lineups unless they match the official match sheet.
Spain vs Argentina lineups FAQ
Are the Spain vs Argentina lineups confirmed?
The final is complete. Official teamsheets were released before kickoff; this page keeps the lineup context and final-result archive rather than a live teamsheet feed.
When do official World Cup final lineups come out?
Official lineups are normally released about one hour before kickoff. For Spain vs Argentina, that window has passed because the final has already been played.
Is Messi expected to start against Spain?
Messi was central to Argentina's final storyline, but Argentina lost 1-0 after extra time and finished runner-up.
Is Lamine Yamal expected to start for Spain?
Yamal was central to Spain's final storyline and finished the tournament as part of Spain's champion generation.
What was the useful lineup read for Argentina after the final?
The useful post-match read is how Argentina supported Messi, protected the left side against Spain's width and tried to keep enough runners around the front line before losing 1-0 after extra time.
What was the useful lineup read for Spain after the final?
The useful post-match read is how Spain used midfield control, width around Yamal and a late attacking option before Ferran Torres scored the 106th-minute winner.
Next step
Use lineups with the rest of final-day planning
Final hub
Spain vs Argentina final
Kickoff time, venue, routes to the final and wider match context.
Player story
Messi vs Yamal
The final's headline player storyline and the tactical questions behind it.
Award race
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race
Mbappe's Golden Boot win, Messi's final total and the settled top-scorer table.
Officials
World Cup final referee tracker
Referee appointment status, VAR crew and match-control watch points.
Coverage trust
Spain vs Argentina lineup sources
The final is complete. Use the official match centre for full teamsheets; the sources below cover the official schedule and final context.
Official sources
Official FIFA references
AP: Spain vs Argentina final context
apnews.com/article/55077ce5c4728c4207a39cc4aa8a41a1
AP: Argentina semifinal and Messi final context
apnews.com/article/afa13ed9fa933f8b75bd56eb16546031
FIFA official World Cup 2026 match schedule
fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/match-schedule-fixtures-results-teams-stadiums
talkSPORT: final-weekend schedule context
talksport.com/football/world-cup/4236250/third-place-play-off-date-time-location-england-france/