By Edmund Lee & K.H. Ong
WHAT a World Cup it has been so far — filled with goals, quality and drama.
The newly introduced 48-team format has produced several major surprises, with smaller nations proving they can challenge the traditional football powerhouses.
Perhaps the biggest shock came when Cape Verde, a small island nation with a population of about 570,000, held tournament favourites Spain to a goalless draw in a group-stage match.
Now, the world awaits the grand finale between Argentina and Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) on July 20 (Monday), with kick-off at 3am Malaysian time.
Spain have grown from strength to strength with their attractive, possession-based style of football. However, can the European champions overcome Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, as the South Americans aim to become only the third nation to win back-to-back titles?
So far, only two countries have achieved the feat: Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).
As Argentina and Spain go head-to-head, all eyes will be on Argentine legend Lionel Messi and Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
At 39, Messi continues to defy age and has played a pivotal role in Argentina’s journey, producing moments of brilliance in crucial matches against teams such as Egypt, Switzerland and England.
Yamal, meanwhile, has emerged as one of world football’s brightest young talents. The 19-year-old has blossomed into a key player for FC Barcelona after rising through the club’s famed La Masia youth academy — the same pathway once taken by Messi.
Messi is now playing for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.
Beyond Messi and Yamal, both teams are packed with players who possess vast experience at the highest level of football. Any one of them could prove to be the match-winner.
Buletin Mutiara spoke to several football enthusiasts for their views and predictions ahead of the highly anticipated final. Here are their comments:
Azrin Mustaffa, 39, assistant coach of the Penang Indian Football Association
Spain are my choice to win the World Cup this year. They can keep possession well, play tactically and have several young talented players, including Lamine Yamal.
It will be a very tough match. Argentina have the experience and the mentality of champions. They can change the game suddenly, even in the final moments.
I am backing Spain after my two favourite teams, France and Portugal, were knocked out of the tournament.
Khoo Tiang Oon, retired lecturer and former badminton coach
According to the FIFA rankings for the 2026 World Cup, Spain are ranked second while Argentina are ranked first. This is the first time in World Cup history that a European champion will face a South American champion.
Spain are a balanced team, with possession-based football and players possessing high technical ability. They are very sound and solid defensively, while also controlling the midfield and dictating play.
Players to watch: Rodri, Marc Cucurella, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams.
Argentina, as defending champions, have vast experience in big matches and tremendous resilience. They are highly competitive and know how to win knockout matches.
Lionel Messi, at 39, remains the mastermind and playmaker of Argentina. He is also chasing the Golden Boot, having scored eight goals and provided four assists.
Their players to watch are Lionel Messi, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvaraz.
Head to head: Met 14 times with 6 wins each and two draws.
My prediction: Argentina to defend the Cup.
Sonny Yeap, 57, hotel receptionist
Spain have the upper hand heading into the World Cup final, with their balanced squad, possession-based style and defensive solidity.
Their trademark tiki-taka approach has enabled them to control matches effectively throughout the tournament, with midfielder Rodri providing stability in the centre of the park, while young star Lamine Yamal offers creativity and attacking flair. Moreover, they have quality players in every department.
Spain are solid at the back and difficult to break down. I expect a close match, but I believe they can keep a clean sheet and win 1-0 or 2-0.
The pressure will be on Argentina, who are seeking to retain the World Cup title — a feat not achieved since Brazil successfully defended the trophy in 1958 and 1962. Hence, I believe Spain can take advantage of that pressure and lift the trophy.
Sri Sangar, 48, president of Penang Indian Football Club
I predict Argentina will win 2-1. From my observation, most teams depend heavily on their coaches for tactical instructions, but Argentina’s players have the special ability to change the style and tempo of the game themselves, with Messi guiding them during matches.
Argentina’s match against England was a good example. They were able to switch between long and short passing. In the second half, when England started using more long passes, Argentina changed the rhythm of the game by adopting shorter passing.
Another reason why I believe Argentina will win is that their players will give everything for Messi to have a winning farewell. They know he is unlikely to feature in the next World Cup as he is now 39.
Argentina have six key players who can make the difference.
Spain, on the other hand, have excellent teamwork. Their star player, Lamine Yamal, is still young and has many more World Cups ahead of him.
Among all the teams, I admire Japan the most. Unfortunately, they were eliminated. I have been following how Japan have developed their football programme. They go to every village, build proper infrastructure and scout for talent. This is something we should also do here.
Regardless of the outcome, I will not miss the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
Nadarajah, former national striker (1982 & 1983), Terengganu (1981-83), Perak (1984-86)
The World Cup final will be the 104th match of the tournament. I have watched about 80 per cent of the matches, and Spain are my choice to win the title this year.
They are a great team because they remain composed under pressure. While Argentina are gaining momentum and playing aggressively, Spain have the teamwork and style to contain them.
You could clearly see how Spain dominated a powerful team like France in the semi-finals.
Having said that, I predict Spain will win 2-1.
Ian McIntyre, veteran journalist and staunch Manchester United fan
The World Cup final presents a difficult choice for many football fans, given the deep historical and cultural ties between Spain and Argentina.
It is a difficult match to support because of the strong connection between the two countries. Many Argentinians have Spanish ancestry, so there is a historical link that adds another dimension to the final.
If you look purely at footballing skills and technical quality, you would probably lean towards Spain. We saw how Argentina overcame England, but Spain’s performances against top opposition have been very impressive.
When Spain defeated France, they were able to dictate the game and limit the impact of players such as Kylian Mbappe. France struggled to impose themselves because Spain controlled possession and the tempo of the match.
While acknowledging Argentina’s quality and rich footballing tradition, McIntyre stressed that football remains a team sport rather than one dependent on individual brilliance.
Football purists will naturally appreciate Spain’s technical approach and tiki-taka style. Argentina also have talented players and, historically, have produced icons such as Lionel Messi, but football is still a team sport. Success is determined by collective effort rather than one individual.
I think it will be a very close match, but Spain’s ability to control possession and manage the game could prove decisive. My prediction is a 1-0 win for Spain.
Johari Saad, 57, a visually-impaired masseur
I’m backing Argentina to retain the World Cup title. I believe the defending champions have the experience and mentality to rise to the occasion in the final.
Spain have been excellent and have played attractive football, but Argentina know how to handle pressure and get results in big matches. They have shown resilience throughout the tournament and possess the experience of winning on the biggest stage.
Argentina’s blend of experience and match-winning quality could make the difference in what is expected to be a closely fought contest.
Football is not just about possession; it is about taking your chances when they come. I think Argentina have what it takes to edge the final and retain the trophy.
Muhammad Hizami Abdul Aziz, 33, Iconic Majorie Hotel senior chef de partie and former Sekolah Teknik Sungai Petani II defender
My heart is with Spain, but I think Argentina are going to win. If Spain win, it could be 1-0, but if Argentina win, I think they could win 3-0.
Lamine Yamal is Spain’s future. He is skilful, has good ball control and possesses sharp finishing ability. Argentina, with Messi still in the team, are more powerful. Much will depend on whether Messi can produce his magic. If he does on the final day, Argentina will have a strong chance of winning.
I feel that if Spain score first, the match will become very exciting. Based on their recent matches, Argentina are capable of launching waves of attacks. If they are able to control the game from the start, they will be dangerous.
My favourite team is Portugal, but unfortunately, they were knocked out by Argentina.
Argentina’s game revolves around Messi. He may spend long periods walking on the pitch, but once he receives the ball, he can produce moments of magic. Just one moment of brilliance can make the difference in a final.
Slavko Vincic of Slovenia has been appointed as the referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
I read that he brings contrasting fortunes for the two finalists. Spain have never lost in five matches officiated by him, while Argentina’s only match under the Slovenian referee ended in defeat — their shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup group stage. Vincic’s appointment could be a lucky charm for Spain.
However, I must say that most referees in the current tournament have been fair.
ROAD TO FINAL
SPAIN
Group Stage
Drew with Cape Verde 0-0
Beat Saudi Arabia 4-0
Beat Uruguay 1-0
Last 32
Beat Austria 3-0
Last 16
Beat Portugal 1-0
Quarter-finals
Beat Belgium 2-1
Semi-finals
Beat France 2-0
ROAD TO FINAL
ARGENTINA
Group Stage
Beat Algeria 3-0
Beat Austria 2-0
Beat Jordan 3-1
Last 32
Beat Cape Verde 3-2
Last 16
Beat Egypt 3-2
Quarter-finals
Beat Switzerland 3-1
Semi-finals
Beat England 2-1