The main event of the year will take place today in East Rutherford, USA — the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The national teams of Spain and Argentina will fight for the title of the strongest team on the planet. Experts and fans around the world are already making predictions, trying to foresee the outcome of this grand confrontation.

Expert opinion: why victory depends on the first goal

Former Kyiv Dynamo and Ukraine national team player Artem Kravets shared his vision of the upcoming match in an exclusive comment for Sport RBC.UA. The 37-year-old specialist admitted that he does not have inflated expectations for the final, however, his sympathies lie with the Argentine team.

"I have no expectations. I will cheer for Argentina, simply because I like this team more than Spain," noted Kravets.

Nevertheless, the Ukrainian veteran pointed out a key factor that could radically change the balance of power. In his opinion, the Spanish have a real chance of triumph if they can capitalize on their advantage at the start of the match.

"If Spain scores first, then they will win this game," the footballer is confident.

The road to the final: winners' statistics

Both teams have demonstrated outstanding form throughout the tournament. The Argentine national team, which fell into Group J, flawlessly passed the group stage, winning three victories against the teams of Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. Scoring 9 points, the "albiceleste" took first place and confidently advanced to the playoffs.

In the knockout stage, Lionel Scaloni's charges achieved a series of tense victories:

  • Round of 32: Cape Verde (3:2)
  • Round of 16: Egypt (3:2)
  • Quarterfinal: Switzerland (3:1)
  • Semifinal: England (2:1)

The Spanish national team, led by Luis de la Fuente, also demonstrated a high level of class. After a draw with Cape Verde (0:0), the Spanish achieved victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, securing their exit from the group. In the playoffs, "La Furia Roja" left no chances for opponents:

  • Round of 32: Austria (3:0)
  • Round of 16: Portugal (1:0)
  • Quarterfinal: Belgium (2:1)
  • Semifinal: France (2:0)

Today's match will be the culmination of this epic tournament, where two football superpowers will clash. Which of them will take the World Cup home will be known this evening.