Today's football picks for 19 Jul 2026: Analysis of the 2026 World Cup final and today's match schedule.
On 19 July 2026, today's football picks focus on the 2026 World Cup final, where former one-time world champions Spain face three-time champions Argentina. Let's follow the match analysis and expert predictions for this matchup.
- 2026 World Cup Final / Kickoff at 02:00 (early morning 20 July Thai time).
*Live broadcast on Monomax plus free live streaming on Monomax Sports and Channel 29.
Spain remains unbeaten in all 7 matches, with 6 wins and 1 draw, scoring 13 goals and conceding only one in the quarterfinals (2-1 win over Belgium). They have kept 6 clean sheets. In fact, under coach Luis de la Fuente, "La Roja" has gone 37 matches unbeaten across all competitions (28 wins, 9 draws) since a 0-1 friendly loss to Colombia on 22 March 2024.
The two teams have met 14 times, each winning 6 matches with 2 draws. Their last encounter was a 2018 friendly where Spain thrashed Argentina 6-1. In the last 5 meetings, Spain won 3 and Argentina 2.
Latest update: Spain is likely to field their strongest lineup, as key player Lamine Yamal and right-back Pedro Porro, who scored the winning goal against France in the semifinals, have returned to regular training. In midfield, Fabian Ruiz is expected to start ahead of Pedri alongside Rodri. The attack features Mikel Oyarzabal as striker, supported by Dani Olmo and Alex Baena.
Argentina is the only team to have won all 7 matches in the 2026 World Cup, despite tough knockout rounds: extra-time wins over Cape Verde (3-2), a comeback against Egypt (3-2), extra-time win over Switzerland (3-1), and a comeback win against England (2-1) in the semifinals. "La Albiceleste" has won 14 consecutive matches in all competitions and scored 19 goals in this tournament, second only to England and France (20 goals each).
Of their 14 meetings with Spain, 13 were friendlies, with only one World Cup encounter in 1966 group stage, where Argentina won 2-1. If Argentina repeats that success, they will become the third nation to defend the World Cup title, after Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962).
Latest team status: Argentina has no injury or suspension issues and is ready to field a full-strength squad. Rodrigo De Paul is expected to return to the starting lineup, replacing Juliano Simeone, who started in the semifinal win over England. Right-back Gonzalo Montiel may replace Nahuel Molina, who underperformed recently. Midfielders Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister will support playmakers Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi, who has scored 8 goals and is contending for top scorer after being overtaken by Kylian Mbappe, who has 10 goals.
Head-to-head, the teams are very evenly matched, but Spain's overall form may be slightly better. If Spain plays a disciplined game in attack and defense, as they did in their semifinal win over France, it could be difficult for Argentina to summon the extra strength needed to win, unlike in their previous four knockout matches.
Match prediction Spain will narrowly defeat Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup.
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