Spain Or Argentina? Local Analysts Offer Different Predictions

THE anticipation ahead of the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina early Monday morning has sparked heated discussion among local football analysts over which team will lift the prestigious trophy.

Two former national strikers, Mohd Safee Mohd Sali and Azlan Johar, have placed Spain as their favourites, while football analyst Stanley Bernard believes Argentina are capable of retaining their title.

For Safee, Spain’s convincing performance in defeating France in the semi-finals proves that Luis de la Fuente’s side are on the right track to emerge as champions, although they cannot underestimate Argentina’s prowess at the same time.

“Spain are very disciplined in midfield. Lamine Yamal has also been outstanding. They have the motivation and extraordinary spirit for the match against Argentina.

“However, Argentina have a high fighting spirit and they are capable of staging a comeback in the dying minutes,” he said when contacted by Bernama on Saturday.

Safee said control of the midfield will be the deciding factor, with Rodri and Pedri expected to play crucial roles in ensuring Spain dictate the tempo of the game, before predicting a 2-1 victory for La Roja.

Meanwhile, Azlan views the final as a clash of two football philosophies, with Argentina preferring to build attacks in stages, while Spain adopt an aggressive approach from the outset.

He said Argentina are acknowledged to make more passes, but their opponents in the final are Spain, who boast the best defensive record in this World Cup edition, having conceded just one goal.

He said Spain’s ability to transition quickly and play with high intensity could give them the edge in their quest for the title.

“They will maintain that style of play. That is Spain’s strength, why change it?” he said, also predicting that the European champions can overcome the defending champions with a 2-0 scoreline.

Azlan, however, offered an additional perspective by stating that goalkeepers could be game-changers if they are able to launch quick counter-attacks.

“In modern football, the goalkeeper is key to changing the game. Not just saving shots, but what they do immediately after catching the ball. A smart goalkeeper who initiates a quick counter-attack can exploit the space left by the opposition,” he said.

However, Stanley differed, describing that the final is not necessarily determined by tactical brilliance alone, but rather Argentina’s resilience and champion mentality could carry the South American side to a fourth World Cup triumph.

“I think Spain are the most tactically intelligent team in this World Cup, while Argentina are the most resilient. Spain are likely to score first, but Argentina have proven throughout this tournament that they always find a way to come back.

“The biggest difference is that Argentina no longer carry the pressure of winning the World Cup for Messi. That was achieved in 2022. Now they play with more freedom, and I think that could be their biggest X-factor in defending the title,” he said.

He also predicted that Argentina would defend their crown by defeating Spain 3-2, with the match extending into extra time.

BERNAMA