Spain, Argentina set for World Cup final with stark stats split

Spain and Argentina head into Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey with sharply different paths to the title. Argentina, the defending champions, have scored a tournament-best 19 goals and have netted at least twice in each of their past 13 World Cup matches since a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in 2022. Spain have been the tournament’s stingiest side, conceding only one goal and posting the lowest defensive expected-goals total at 2.1. The final also carries history: Argentina can become the first team this century to win back-to-back men’s World Cups, while Spain can again hold the European Championship and World Cup at the same time. Slovene referee Slavko Vincic will work the match.