Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has predicted that Argentina will defeat Spain in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey.
Argentina booked their place in the final after coming from behind to beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta, extending their winning streak in the tournament to 13 matches.
England looked set for victory after Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal, but Argentina responded with two quick strikes. Enzo Fernández levelled the score from a Lionel Messi assist before substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home Messi’s cross seven minutes later to complete the comeback.
Spain, meanwhile, secured a 2-0 victory over France in the other semi-final and will be aiming to win their second World Cup title.
Despite Spain’s impressive run, Burley believes Argentina have the quality and experience to edge the contest.
“The Argentinians will try to get under the skin of the Spaniards even more. I think De Paul will play. Sometimes he goes over the edge, but he’s a brilliant player. It was way easier than we expected for Spain against France. I don’t think Argentina will allow the same to happen. Brilliant game, 3-2 to Argentina,” Burley said on ESPN.
Spain won their only World Cup title in 2010 after defeating the Netherlands in the final, while Argentina lifted their third crown at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by beating France on penalties.
