German legend Toni Kroos backs Spain to edge Argentina in final

Toni Kroos, the legendary former midfielder for Germany and Real Madrid, has backed Spain to win the FIFA World Cup 2026, predicting they will overcome defending champions Argentina in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium.

Kroos, a 2014 World Cup winner himself, believes Spain's consistent performance, tactical rigor, and overall quality give them the edge. His familiarity with Spanish football, gained during a decade at Real Madrid, informs his assessment of the current squad's collective balance and structured play, which he considers hallmarks of the tournament's standout team.

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Spain's consistency, tactical discipline and overall level of performance give Luis de la Fuente's side the edge heading into the title clash.

Spain has enjoyed a remarkable campaign, conceding only one goal and achieving a record six clean sheets in a single men's World Cup. After an initial draw, they have secured six consecutive victories, eliminating strong European opponents to reach their first final since 2010. Their current unbeaten streak stands at 37 matches, and a win would not only secure a second World Cup title but also set a new European men's national team record.

Argentina, however, brings significant momentum into the final. The defending champions have won their last 14 matches, matching a South American record. They have shown resilience in the knockout stages, often coming from behind and scoring crucial late goals, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. This final pits two footballing powerhouses against each other, with a rich history of 14 previous encounters evenly split between them.

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Spain's collective balance, control in midfield and structured style of play, qualities he believes have made them the tournament's standout team.