Spain and Argentina contest the final of the 2026 Fifa World Cup in New Jersey on Sunday and we take a look at a range of betting markets available to punters
Spain
A first half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a second goal from Pedro Porro just before the hour mark gave Spain a deserved 2-0 win over France in Dallas in the semi finals. Lamine Yamal also had a goal disallowed and Spain’s defence kept the French attack quiet with a disciplined performance.
Spain saw off a spirited challenge from Belgum in the quarter finals when another late goal from Mikel Merino sealed a 2-1 victory in Los Angeles. Spain had gone ahead through Fabian Ruiz but Belgium were level by half time as the Spanish defence was breached for the first time in the tournament
Spain edged out 1-0 win over Portugal in the Round of 16 in Dallas. Extra time looked on the cards but substitutes Ferran Torres and Mikel Merino combined for the decisive goal which Merino scored in the 90th minute.
In the first knockout round Spain were comfortable 3-0 winners over Austria in Los Angeles. Mikel Oyarzabal scored in each half whilst Pedro Porro was also on target and Austria never really got in a blow.
Spain finished well clear at the top of Group H, unbeaten with 2 wins and 1 draw and they finished 4 points clear of Cape Verde who drew all 3 of their games. That left Uruguay and Saudi Arabia on 2 points each and both those nations were eliminated. After a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde the Spaniards beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0.
Mikel Oyarzabal has scored 5 goals, Olmo and Cucurella have both provided 2 assists.
Argentina
Defending Champions Argentina looked to be running out of time when trailing 1-0 to England in the semi finals in Miami but Enzo Fernandez equalized on 85 minutes and Lautaro Martinez saw them through 2-1 with a 92nd minute winner. They also hit the woodwork twice after laying siege to England’s goal for the final half hour or so.
In the quarter finals Argentina off Switzerland 3-1 in extra time in Kansas City. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring after just 10 minutes but Switzerland arguably had the better of the game until Breel Embolo was red carded on 72 minutes. By that time the Swiss had already leveled and it remained 1-1 to send us into extra time where goals from Alvares and Martinez saw Argentina through.
Argentina came from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 in Atlanta with all of their goals coming from the 79th minute onwards. Cristian Romero started the fightback, Lionel Messi equalized on 83 minutes and Enzo Fernandez found the winner in the 92nd minute.
Argentina came up against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 in Miami and extra time was needed to settle the match with Argentina coming out on top 3-2. Lionel Messi gave Argentina a 1-0 lead in the first half but Cape Verde squared things up by the end of regulation time. Lisandro Martinez then put Argentina 2-1 in front but Cape Verde came back immediately to make it 2-2. An own goal then made it 3-2 to the South Americans and that’s the way it finished.
Argentina topped Group J with more than a degree of comfort. They won all 3 matches to finish 5 points clear of Austria and Algeria who also made it through whilst Jordan failed to pick up a point. They beat Algeria 3-0, Austria 2-0 and Jordan 3-1.
Lionel Messi is the tournaments joint top scorer with 8 goals and he has also provided 4 assists.
The Betting (Regulation time unless stated otherwise)
Spain are priced at around 13/10 to win the game with the draw available at 2/1 and Argentina can be backed at around 5/2
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 5/4 and its 9/10 for both teams to score
Sportingbet price boosts include;
Spain to win and both teams to score (yes) is 9/2
Argentina to win and over 2.5 total goals (yes) is 6/1
1st goalscorer Mikel Oyarzabal is 19/4
Lionel Messi to score any time is 19/10
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The Verdict:
Argentina have been sailing close to the wind throughout the knockout rounds getting out of jail with late goals and I fancy Spain to get the job done. This Spain defence will take some breaching although I wouldn’t rule out an Argentina goal and I’ll nibble at Spain to win 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1.
I took Romero to pick up a card in the semi’s and he didn’t let me down and I’ll stick with him in the same market (includes extra time) and I’ll also chance Lamine Yamal to score in regulation time.
Bets: Multiple correct score Spain to win 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1 at 5/1 with Sportingbet
Any time goalscorer Lamine Yamal at 26/10 with Lucky Fish
Player to be carded Cristian Romero at 2.15/1 with Lucky Fish
Note, odds are subject to change
