Argentina makes three changes for World Cup final against Spain

Argentina's national football team manager, Lionel Scaloni, has introduced three alterations to the starting lineup for the 2026 World Cup final against Spain. The match is scheduled to take place at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The key changes include the introduction of winger Nicolás González, formerly of Atlético Madrid, into the starting eleven. González is expected to replace midfielder Leandro Paredes, signaling Scaloni's intention to bolster the midfield's intensity and pressing capabilities against a Spanish side known for its ball control. This tactical adjustment suggests a focus on disrupting Spain's rhythm and winning possession in critical areas of the field.

Further adjustments see Gonzalo Montiel returning to the right-back position, having impressed as a substitute in the semi-final against England. Rodrigo De Paul also regains his starting spot in midfield after featuring as a substitute in the previous match. Paredes and Giuliano Simeone, who showed promise when called upon, will both begin the final on the bench.

Argentina enters the final looking to defend their 2022 World Cup title and secure their fourth World Cup trophy overall. This would mark their second consecutive World Cup victory, a feat previously achieved only by Italy under Vittorio Pozzo in 1934 and 1938. Scaloni himself has the opportunity to join Pozzo in the record books as one of the few coaches to win two World Cups in a row.

The projected starting lineup for Argentina is: Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolás González; Lionel Messi, and Julián Álvarez. Lionel Scaloni leads the team.