{"id":56904,"date":"2026-07-18T06:08:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T06:08:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/56904\/"},"modified":"2026-07-18T06:08:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T06:08:39","slug":"world-cup-predictions-final-and-3-4-play-off-spain-vs-argentina-and-france-vs-england","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/56904\/","title":{"rendered":"World Cup predictions, final and 3\/4 play off: Spain vs Argentina and France vs England"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to\u00a0The Athletic\u2019s daily World Cup Predictions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article gives you the lowdown on all the weekend\u2019s games but with the bonus of some friendly competition\u2026<\/p>\n

Throughout the tournament, we will have one of two\u00a0Athletic writers (Andy Jones or Elias Burke \u2014 with help from our experts from each of the 48 countries) pitting our soccer knowledge against a different subscriber to The Athletic each day and \u2018Algo\u2019, our shiny new algorithm which is making its computerised debut during the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n

Oh, and a dog called Stanley and a six-year-old called Wilfred (who some of you may remember from last season\u2019s Premier League predictions).<\/p>\n

Our guest subscriber today is Zachary from the United States, who supports the USMNT, Scotland, Manchester United and Westchester SC. Good luck!<\/p>\n

If you would like to apply to be our guest subscriber for a day during this tournament,\u00a0please follow the instructions in the article here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What happened on Matchday 33?<\/p>\n

Lionel Messi and Argentina\u2019s dream of retaining the World Cup is alive after booking their place in the final following a dramatic late comeback to beat England 2-1 with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.<\/p>\n

The first half was a largely uneventful and even contest as the two sides managed only three combined shots, none of which were on target. There was little flow, and neither England nor Argentina\u2019s key players were able to stamp any authority on the game.<\/p>\n

The match changed when England took the lead on 56 minutes. Morgan Rogers\u2019 cross found Anthony Gordon at the back post to give Thomas Tuchel\u2019s side the advantage. The rhythm shifted almost immediately with Argentina gaining control and territory as they searched for an equaliser while England began to drop deeper and deeper, defending their lead.<\/p>\n

That pattern did not change with Tuchel making further defensive substitutions and, combined with the lack of an out-ball, it allowed Argentina to suffocate their opponents and force them into retreat. It was ideal for Messi, who drifted into the right channel and began dictating the game.<\/p>\n

As Tuchel failed from the bench, Lionel Scaloni used his substitutions to great effect with Nicolas Gonzalez, Rodrigo De Paul, Gonzalo Montiel and Martinez all improving the South American champions.<\/p>\n

\"Enzo<\/p>\n

\n Enzo Fernandez eventually equalised for Argentina (Shaun Botterill\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

It was becoming a matter of when not if Argentina would equalise and the goal came from an excellent Fernandez strike from the edge of the area via a short corner on 85 minutes. Argentina smelt blood and, after playing the pass for the first, Messi provided a second assist with an inch-perfect cross for Martinez to head home from close range in the 92nd minute.<\/p>\n

England were unable to respond, leaving them heartbroken and Argentina jubilant.<\/p>\n

We may have to call in the patriotism police for Wilfred and Stanley as they correctly picked Argentina to end England\u2019s dreams \u2014 but maybe they did it to ease the pain of an England defeat. While Algo is \u2018on the beach\u2019 with the title all but confirmed, there is still a fight for second as Wilfred moved one behind us (the experts).<\/p>\n

Results from July 15, 2026<\/p>\n

In what we might as well call the \u2018Silver Final\u2019, our streak of 11 is likely to seal our spot in second unless we both go with different selections for the final two games of the tournament.<\/p>\n

\tOverall
accuracyCorrect
picksBest
streakThe algorithm69%7114TA experts67%6911Wilfred (age 6)66%687Reader picks60%625Stanley the dog42%434 <\/p>\n

\t\tHow do the predictions work?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s pretty simple: we will give you some background on each game, players to watch and facts on the two teams.\u00a0Then we will predict the outcome.<\/p>\n

We will maintain a leaderboard of how everyone gets on with their predictions (ranked by the percentage they get correct) but we\u2019ll also keep a record of \u201cstreaks\u201d \u2014 the number of predictions everyone gets right in a row. These streaks also form a crucial part of\u00a0The Athletic\u2019s interactive Soccer Pick\u2019ems feature<\/a>, allowing you to make your own picks every round as well.<\/p>\n

So come along and get involved, and check back each day to see how we are getting on in the leaderboard \u2014 and probably more importantly, whether you, the subscribers, or Stanley or Wilfred are beating us.<\/p>\n

Or, worst of all, whether \u2018Algo\u2019\u00a0can prove data and statistics know all when it comes to predicting.<\/p>\n

Good luck, and enjoy!<\/p>\n

Prediction for the Bronze FinalFrance vs England, Bronze Final, kick-off 5pm ET, 10pm BST<\/p>\n

Where to watch: FOX (U.S.), BBC (UK)<\/p>\n

Streak Risk Factor: 5\/5. This is the game at the start of the tournament that nobody really wants to play in \u2014 so close yet so far from the final, and there is no guarantee how managers will approach it with their team selections or how motivated the players will be.<\/p>\n

Watch Rating: 3\/5. If both teams are up for it then this could be a really entertaining game. There\u2019s a fair chance this sees two sides ready for a holiday and going through the motions. That won\u2019t be fun, especially for those watching a later kick-off in the UK.<\/p>\n

Our picks for July 18, 2026<\/p>\n

The Athletic Soccer Experts say: \u201cCan you remember who finished third in the 2022 World Cup? How long did it take you to recall that Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 thanks to goals from Josko Gvardiol and Mislav Orsic?<\/p>\n

\u201cNone of our players and none of the French players want to play this match,\u201d Tuchel said in the aftermath of the defeat by Argentina. \u201cThey want to play the final.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the challenge facing both managers as they attempt to pick up their heartbroken players to play one final match. Naturally the question of why this game takes place<\/a> has been brought up in the days since the semi-finals, but there is a bronze medal to play for.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWill either head coach use this occasion to reward squad players who have not featured much? France head coach Didier Deschamps made his intentions clear when he said: \u201cWe\u2019ll do everything we can to get it\u201d, when asked about trying to win. France also have Kylian Mbappe\u2019s Golden Boot aspirations<\/a> to play for with the striker tied with Lionel Messi on eight goals and one fewer assist (four versus three).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n Kylian Mbappe is still hoping to secure the Golden Boot (David Ramos\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cFrance looked nailed-on finalists until they ran into suffocating Spain. Their aggressive, compact structure out of possession neutralised France\u2019s attacking threat, and a patient, probing in-possession strategy controlled the game.<\/p>\n

\u201cThroughout the tournament, if one of France\u2019s front four of Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise or one of Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue was off his peak level, others stepped up. Against Spain, collectively they all had an off-day. The concern for England is that is unlikely to happen twice in a row.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cEngland have not shown an ability to control teams through possession during the tournament so trying to replicate Spain\u2019s game plan feels unlikely. They will need one more effort from those who have dragged them through the competition to this point. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham looked exhausted well before the final whistle against Argentina, but England will need them to produce a big moment one more time.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cGiven the frustration and scrutiny directed at Tuchel after his second-half decisions against Argentina, another defeat would only increase the pressure on him. So it would be a good time \u2014 while still a game too late \u2014 to show he can game plan to beat the elite.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Athletic Soccer Experts: FRANCE WIN\u00a0<\/p>\n

Guest Subscriber Zachary: FRANCE WIN\u00a0<\/p>\n

Six-year-old Wilfred:\u00a0ENGLAND WIN<\/p>\n

Stanley the dog: ENGLAND WIN<\/p>\n

Algo:\u00a0FRANCE WIN<\/p>\n

Prediction for the World Cup finalSpain vs Argentina, Final, kick-off 3pm ET, 8pm BST<\/p>\n

Where to watch: FOX (U.S.), BBC\/ITV (UK)<\/p>\n

Streak Risk Factor: 4\/5. Holders Argentina are finalists for the third time in four tournaments, yet Spain justifiably arrive in New Jersey as comfortable favourites after a dominant display against France in the semi-final.<\/p>\n

Watch rating: 5\/5. For anyone other than England and France fans, who may not be able to bring themselves to watch after missing out in the last four, this is the absolute must-not-miss event in sport. Can Messi bow out of international football with his second World Cup title and Argentina\u2019s fourth star, or will Spain\u2019s second golden generation in as many decades cement themselves as the best team in the world?<\/p>\n

Our picks for July 19, 2026<\/p>\n

The Athletic Soccer Experts say: \u201cHere it is. After 36 days, 103 games, almost 300 goals and a summer packed full of heartbreak and elation, we\u2019re finally at the showpiece event: the World Cup final. This is the game where legends and legacies are made, and memories of \u2018what if\u2019 moments are created to plague fans\u2019 minds for at least four years, and often much longer, to come.<\/p>\n

\u201cArgentina return to the final after a late comeback against England, though Tuchel\u2019s tactical decisions were arguably as much to blame for his team\u2019s downfall as Messi\u2019s brilliance. Tuchel\u2019s side sat back and tried to defend the lead, a strategy reinforced by the German\u2019s tactical substitutions, giving Messi free rein in his favoured inside-right position. He was allowed to swing crosses in over and over, and to the surprise of perhaps every observer other than Tuchel and his coaching staff, he made them pay.<\/p>\n

\"Lionel<\/p>\n

\n Is Lionel Messi going to claim a second successive World Cup? (Shaun Botterill\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cSpain will not allow the 39-year-old that same privilege. Luis de la Fuente\u2019s side were outstanding against France, controlling the game and not allowing Mbappe or any of his world-class attacking team-mates a sniff of goal. Spain will take possession and look to follow a similar game plan against an ageing but spirited Argentina, the tournament\u2019s top scorers.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Spain can play the game in Argentina\u2019s half, Scaloni\u2019s side may not have the pace to punish them on the break. But if Messi can arrest control of the match and play it on his terms, Spain (and any team in history) will be in trouble.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we expect this one to be a game too far for Argentina, despite Messi proving he is still one of the best \u2014 if not the best \u2014 players in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Athletic Soccer Experts: SPAIN WIN<\/p>\n

Guest Subscriber Zachary:\u00a0 SPAIN WIN<\/p>\n

Six-year-old Wilfred:\u00a0SPAIN WIN<\/p>\n

Stanley the dog: SPAIN WIN<\/p>\n

Algo:\u00a0SPAIN WIN<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Welcome to\u00a0The Athletic\u2019s daily World Cup Predictions. This article gives you the lowdown on all the weekend\u2019s games…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":56905,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[7579,4027,1376,11350,2881,19216,751,3937,2266,389,19215,9154,19214,15384,99,2265,2383,5852,556,865,9507,19076,5853,31,200,16928,1066,19213,19211,2264,2938,9508,11024,1727,4240,1726,5280,1437,2217,9506,1743,6110,2192,17,9873,3448,12048,2251,3691,6530,19212],"class_list":["post-56904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-spain","tag-algeria","tag-argentina","tag-australia","tag-austria","tag-belgium","tag-bosnia-herzegovina","tag-brazil","tag-canada","tag-cape-verde","tag-colombia","tag-congo-dr","tag-croatia","tag-curacao","tag-czech-republic","tag-ecuador","tag-egypt","tag-england","tag-fifa-mens-world-cup","tag-france","tag-germany","tag-ghana","tag-haiti","tag-international-football","tag-iran","tag-iraq","tag-ivory-coast","tag-japan","tag-jordan","tag-mexico-mens-national-team","tag-morocco","tag-netherlands","tag-new-zealand","tag-norway","tag-panama","tag-paraguay","tag-portugal","tag-qatar","tag-saudi-arabia","tag-scotland","tag-senegal","tag-soccer","tag-south-africa","tag-south-korea","tag-spain","tag-sweden","tag-switzerland","tag-tunisia","tag-turkey","tag-uruguay","tag-us-mens-national-team","tag-uzbekistan"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56904","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56904"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56904\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56905"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}