The stage is set for a mouth-watering FIFA World Cup final as defending champions Argentina take on European champions Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday in a contest that promises a fascinating clash of footballing philosophies.

Argentina arrive with the tournament's most potent attack, while Spain boast the strongest defence, setting up a final where one of those remarkable records is bound to be broken.

Lionel Messi's side has scored a tournament-leading 19 goals, whereas Spain has conceded just one goal throughout the competition. Argentina are aiming to lift their fourth World Cup title and become the first nation since Brazil (1958 and 1962) to retain the trophy. Spain, meanwhile, are chasing only the second World Cup crown in their history after their triumph in 2010.

A meeting that was meant to happen earlier

The two continental champions were originally scheduled to face each other in the Finalissima in Doha earlier this year. However, the match was cancelled because of security concerns arising from escalating tensions in the Middle East, where Iran intensified attacks on neighbouring countries amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

Instead of meeting in Qatar, the world's top-ranked sides will now collide in football's biggest fixture, with Argentina entering the tournament as FIFA's No. 1-ranked team and Spain close behind at No. 2.

Also read: ‘I know the guys, they fear nothing’: Lionel Scaloni hails Argentina's fighting spirit

The final also carries symbolic significance, pitting Messi against Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Their story stretches back to 2007, when Messi participated in a UNICEF photoshoot alongside a baby who would later grow up to become Yamal, now one of Barcelona's brightest stars. The image has become an iconic reminder of football's changing generations.

Spain's route to the final

Spain remain unbeaten after six victories and one draw.

Group stage

    • Drew 0-0 with Cape Verde

    • Beat Saudi Arabia 4-0

    • Beat Uruguay 1-0

       

Knockout stage

    • Beat Austria 3-0

    • Beat Portugal 1-0

    • Beat Belgium 2-1

    • Beat France 2-0

       

Tournament record

    • Goals scored: 13

    • Goals conceded: 1

       

Argentina's journey

Argentina have won all seven of their matches on the road to the final.

 

Group stage

    • Beat Algeria 3-0

    • Beat Austria 2-0

    • Beat Jordan 3-1

       

Knockout stage

    • Beat Cape Verde 3-2

    • Beat Egypt 3-2

    • Beat Switzerland 3-1

    • Beat England 2-1

       

Tournament record

    • Goals scored: 19

    • Goals conceded: 7

       

Also read: Why did Argentine players hold Falklands banner after triumph over England - a look back at history

Impressive unbeaten runs

Both finalists head into the title decider with remarkable streaks intact.

 

Spain are unbeaten in 37 consecutive matches across all competitions and friendlies, recording 28 wins and nine draws since their last defeat—a 1-0 loss to Colombia in March 2024.

Argentina, meanwhile, have not lost in their last 13 World Cup matches, registering 11 victories and two draws since their opening defeat to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup.

Spain have opened as slight favourites to lift the trophy, with experts placing them ahead of Argentina before Sunday's showdown. However, with two of world football's strongest teams set to meet in the final, the odds could shift before kick-off.

The championship match promises to bring together the tournament's most prolific attack and its most resilient defence, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup set for a fitting finale. (AFP)