Scaloneta storms into final with three changes and total belief

Argentina’s national team arrived in New Jersey with one goal: lift the third star at the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Scaloni’s side has now won five straight games - including the 2-1 victory over England on July 15 - and reaches the final with a squad that not only wins, but fights until the final whistle. Confidence is sky-high: wearing the light-blue shirt remains an honor for these players.

Who starts vs. Spain in the World Cup final?

Scaloni made three tweaks to the England XI. Gonzalo Montiel replaces Nahuel Molina at right-back after his shaky display in the semis. In midfield, Rodrigo De Paul comes in for Giuliano Simeone on the right, while Nicolás González takes Leandro Paredes’s spot on the left. The 4-4-2 setup remains, with Emiliano Martínez in goal, a backline built around Cuti Romero and Lisandro Martínez, and the attack led by Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.

The Argentine invasion of New Jersey: chaos and passion

MetLife Stadium, with a capacity of 82,500, will host nearly 50,000 Argentine fans this Sunday. The Scaloneta craze is absolute: flag-waving under the rain, streets flooded in sky blue and white, and street stalls selling choripanes like back home. New and classic chants echo on every corner, and even neutral fans are cheering for the Albiceleste because of Messi’s magic.

Yet the festive mood clashes with entry chaos. Access for press and fans has turned into a maze, with long lines and delays that - for now - dampen the euphoria.

Where and when to watch Argentina vs. Spain

Kick-off is at 4 p.m. Argentina time this Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium. Live coverage will air on TyC Sports, Telefe, TV Pública and DSports, while streaming will be available on TyC Sports Play, MiTelefe, DGO, TV Pública on YouTube, Disney+ and Paramount+.

The Scaloneta has already made history: five straight wins and a final that could crown them world champions once more. Now the challenge is simple: turn hope into celebration under the lights of New Jersey.