The Impressive TimesNew York (US), July 18, 2026;
Spain vs Argentina Final has received a major prediction from European Union Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef, who believes Spain will defeat defending champions Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup 2026.
As anticipation builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, European Union Commissioner for Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef has expressed confidence that Spain will overcome defending champions Argentina to lift the trophy. He believes the European champions have been the tournament’s standout side despite facing criticism after their opening match.
Speaking before Sunday’s final at the New York New Jersey Stadium, Micallef said he had backed Spain long before the competition began and had not changed his prediction. According to him, the team’s consistency, defensive strength and ability to recover from a slow start prove they deserve to become world champions.
Spain opened their campaign with a draw against Cape Verde, a result that raised questions about their title ambitions. However, the team responded impressively by winning every match thereafter, conceding only one goal throughout the tournament. Their dominant 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals further strengthened their reputation as one of the most balanced teams in the competition.
Micallef noted that Spain’s early stumble reminded him of their successful 2010 World Cup campaign, when they recovered from an opening defeat to eventually claim the title. He said great teams often show resilience after difficult starts.
The EU Commissioner also praised England’s journey to the semi-finals, saying he had hoped to see an all-European final. He highlighted the performances of Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Elliot Anderson, describing them as key figures who made England one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
Reflecting on the competition, Micallef said football continues to unite people across the world regardless of political tensions or conflict. He recalled seeing children in Gaza gathering to watch World Cup matches despite the hardships around them, calling it a powerful reminder of the sport’s ability to bring hope and create moments of shared joy.
He also commended the growing standard of football in Africa and South America, pointing to the impressive performances of teams such as Morocco and Ivory Coast. At the same time, he argued that Europe remains the global centre of elite football, noting that six of the last eight teams in the tournament came from the continent.
Discussing the future of the FIFA World Cup, Micallef said the expanded 48-team format had successfully increased participation and excitement. While he was cautious about proposals to further expand the tournament, he said any decision should be carefully evaluated rather than dismissed outright.
He added that many concerns raised before the tournament—including security arrangements, fan attendance and the overall atmosphere—had ultimately proved unfounded, congratulating the hosts and organisers for delivering a successful event.
Spain head into the final aiming to secure their second FIFA World Cup title after their historic triumph in 2010. Argentina, meanwhile, are chasing back-to-back World Cup victories and hope to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the championship. Spain also carry an unbeaten streak of 37 matches into the title decider, setting up one of the most anticipated finals in recent World Cup history.
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