The 2026 World Cup final has arrived, with Spain and Argentina meeting at MetLife Stadium after a dramatic five-week tournament. As kickoff approaches, much of the attention is on the likely starting lineups and whether two of the game's biggest names, Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, will be on the field from the opening whistle.
Interest around the team sheets is especially high because this matchup brings together two star-driven sides on the sport's biggest stage. Spain enter the final with a chance to cap a memorable run, while Argentina are chasing another defining moment in World Cup history. That has made every projected lineup discussion a major talking point ahead of the match.
For many fans, the central question is simple: are Yamal and Messi playing? Based on the pre-match focus, both players are at the heart of the buildup, but official confirmation depends on the final lineups released before kickoff. Until then, projected XIs remain the best guide to how each manager could set up for the title decider.
With a world championship on the line, even small lineup decisions could shape the final. Spain vs Argentina already carries enormous weight, and the added spotlight on Yamal and Messi only increases the anticipation for a game that promises to leave a lasting mark on soccer history.
