​Former football star-turned-analyst Zlatan Ibrahimovic has remained steadfast in praising Spain throughout this year’s World Cup and now predicts they will defeat Argentina in the final on Sunday night. After Spain surged past France in a dominant semifinal performance, Ibrahimovic believes La Roja can replicate their level against La Albiceleste, who faced a few tense moments in the early knockout rounds. “Spain handled France very well. I believe they can handle this Argentina. They’ll control the game with their possession. Argentina is not a counterattacking team,” Ibrahimovic said. “I believe Spain will do their thing. They’ll play collectively, and I think Spain is going to dominate that game.”
Indeed, Ibrahimovic’s assessment aligns with Spain’s status as one of the tournament’s standout teams. Since a surprising goalless opener against Cape Verde, Luis de la Fuente’s side has gone unbeaten, tallying 13 goals while conceding only one.
In other World Cup notes, Spain’s preparations for the final have been notable for minor injury concerns. On July 16, 2026, in East Hanover, New Jersey, Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro trained separately from the rest of the squad during their first session ahead of the final against Argentina. While their separation raised questions, officials indicated both players are expected to be available for Sunday’s showdown. Yamal wore a leg wrap, suggesting a recent hamstring issue, though the 19-year-old Barcelona winger has accumulated 496 minutes of World Cup action and has started every match except the opener against Cape Verde.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente addressed the situation, stating that there is nothing serious to report. “As far as I know, Lamine has nothing serious. I’ve just spoken with the medical staff, and everything looks positive,” he told reporters. Yamal and Porro were instrumental in Spain’s semifinal win over France, with Porro scoring the second goal and Yamal playing the full 90 minutes. Porro, who left the pitch in the 85th minute due to leg discomfort, contributed to Spain’s dominance in the match, while Yamal’s stamina and influence on the wing helped to stretch France’s defense.
As Spain looks to crown their campaign with a World Cup title, the team’s confidence appears to be at a high. Ibrahimovic’s forecast underscores a broader belief that Spain’s method—characterized by ball possession, disciplined organization, and collective pressing—could be enough to outmaneuver Argentina’s talent. The final matchup has sparked anticipation among fans worldwide, with many hoping to see Spain’s composed, possession-based approach translate into another memorable performance on the global stage. If the Spaniards can maintain their level, their train of success could extend to the final, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament’s defining teams this year.