World Cup Final Prediction: La Roja can claim second title

Sunday's World Cup final is a landmark occasion, as the European and South American champions meet in the final for the first time.

This is a clash filled with narratives, including Lionel Messi potentially departing the world stage against his successor at Barcelona, Lamine Yamal.

Argentina have ridden their luck on their way to the final, but are they fated to retain their title? Or will Spain follow up their dominant victory against France by lifting the World Cup for a second time? Check out my World Cup final predictions below.

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Team News

Spain have little reason to switch from the starting XI that saw off France in midweek, which means Alex Baena should hold on to his starting role at the expense of Nico Williams, while Pedri and Mikel Merino will also have to settle for a place on the bench.

Argentina have to decide between Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez to partner Lionel Messi up front. Alvarez has started the previous three knockout matches, but Lautaro's winner against England could earn him a starting role.

World Cup Odds

Spain vs Argentina Odds

Spain are available at 8/13 to lift the trophy, with Argentina a 5/4 chance to retain the World Cup.

Both teams to score is priced at 5/6, while over 2.5 goals is odds-against at 5/4. However, the previous two finals have seen 12 goals shared, and Argentina's run to the final has seen some high-scoring matches.

Spain to win @ 5/4

While France raced out of the traps with some impressive early displays, Spain have grown into the tournament, as winners tend to do.

The Spanish dropped points to Cape Verde in their opener, but their underlying numbers in that stalemate were almost identical to their routine win over Saudi Arabia next time out.

Since, Cape Verde went on to avoid defeat in all four matches they played across 90 minutes, including taking Argentina to extra-time.

Spain saw off Portugal and Belgium before eliminating favourites France, and their commanding 2-0 win in midweek was a reminder of just how hard they are to play against.

Luis de la Fuente has a bench packed with potential game-changers, while Rodri's return to his best has led to Spain dominating opponents.

Argentina proved their resolve by fighting their way to the final with late comebacks, but Spain aren't a side that you can allow to get out in front.

The European champions can prey on Argentina's defensive issues, and they are capable of winning this within 90 minutes.

Alexis Mac Allister 1+ shot on target, Lamine Yamal 2+ fouls, and Rodri to be carded @ 22/1

Alexis Mac Allister has taken at least two shots in every knockout match, and he's recorded a shot on target in three straight games. The Liverpool man scored against Switzerland in the quarter-finals, and he should have another effort on target in the final.

Lamine Yamal leads all Spanish players with 12 fouls, and he's committed 10 fouls across his last three appearances. The winger matches up with Nicolas Tagliafico, who has drawn 13 fouls for Argentina at this tournament, so back another couple of fouls for Spain's superstar.

Argentina have been masters at drawing fouls and cards, and their opponents in central midfield have tended to fall victim to that. An opposing holding midfielder has been booked in three of their four knockout matches, so back Rodri for a card to cap off this 22/1 treble.