Lionel Scaloni defined the lineup of the Argentine National Team to face Spain in the grand final of the 2026 World Cup. The coach will make three changes from the team that eliminated England and will bet on Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolás González from the start.
The time has come for the 2026 World Cup. After days of speculation and analysis about Lionel Scaloni's possible strategy, the Argentine National Team has confirmed the team to face Spain in the grand final and seek the second consecutive world title.
During the week, one of the major uncertainties focused on the strategy that the Argentine coach would use to counter the team led by Luis de la Fuente, who interestingly was Scaloni's teacher during his training as a coach.
Finally, the coach from Pujato revealed his cards and will make three changes from the team that faced England in the semifinals.
The three changes by Scaloni to face Spain
The first change will appear in the right back position. Gonzalo Montiel will be a starter instead of Nahuel Molina, a modification with which Scaloni seeks greater defensive solidity in one of the sensitive areas of the field.
However, the main movements will be in the midfield, where there were the greatest doubts before the final.
Leandro Paredes and Giuliano Simeone will leave the starting lineup, while Rodrigo De Paul will return from the start on the right side and Nicolás González will occupy the left wing.
In this way, Enzo Fernández will return to play as a central midfielder, a position he already occupied during the semifinal against England.
The confirmed team of Argentina for the 2026 World Cup final
The Argentine National Team will line up with:
Dibu Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cuti Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolás González; Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.
The presence of Enzo Fernández as a central midfielder could respond to Argentina's intention to contest possession of the ball against Spain. The Chelsea player also offers a greater ability to reach the opponent's area from the second line.
On his part, Rodrigo De Paul regained a place among the starters after his good performance against the English team. His experience in decisive matches and his ability to maintain the intensity of the midfield appear as fundamental factors for a final of this nature.
Nicolás González, a key piece to control Lamine Yamal
Another of the most important tactical decisions will be the inclusion of Nicolás González, especially due to the presence of Lamine Yamal on the right side of the Spanish attack.
The former Argentinos Juniors player has the ability to cover the entire left wing and assist Nicolás Tagliafico when Argentina needs to defend. His physical deployment could become one of the keys to Scaloni's strategy to limit one of Spain's main figures.
With Messi and Julián Álvarez once again as the offensive duo, Argentina has everything set for the most important match of the tournament. La Albiceleste will seek to defeat Spain and conquer the world championship, reaffirming the historic cycle initiated under the leadership of Lionel Scaloni.
