A record 102 matches have been played, leaving just two games to decide the 2026 FIFA World Cup: the third-place playoff (between France and England) and the final.

The championship match, to be played on Sunday evening US time, will see Spain take on Argentina in a fitting finale between the world’s two highest-ranked teams.

So, how did each team reach the final – and how may it play out?

Both sides enter the final unbeaten after seven matches.

Spain arrive as the reigning European champions and the world’s number two-ranked nation, while Argentina is the reigning Copa América champion, defending World Cup holders and ranked first in the world.

Spain are arguably the tournament’s most tactically complete side.

Luis de la Fuente’s team has been built on patient possession, relentless pressing and exceptional defensive organisation.

They dismantled France 2-0 in the semi-final, conceding very few clear chances, and have allowed just one goal throughout the tournament. In sports science terms, Spain have built towards peak performance for the final, after opening the tournament with a draw against Cape Verde.

What has characterised the Spaniards is that no single player has stood above the rest – the team’s success has been shared across the........

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