Ronaldo Nazário has expressed confidence in Spain’s ability to secure a convincing victory over defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. He believes that the team led by Luis de la Fuente has a level of control that will be difficult for Lionel Messi and his teammates to challenge.
Ronaldo Nazario’s World Cup legacy
On Sunday, Spain and Argentina face off in the 104th and final match of the expanded World Cup at the New York, New Jersey Stadium. Spain arrives as a formidable contender, unbeaten in 37 matches and conceding only one goal in their seven World Cup outings. Meanwhile, Argentina aims to become the first men’s team to defend the title since Brazil did in 1962.
Ahead of the final, Ronaldo, the Brazilian football legend, made bold predictions during a discussion with ESPN Brasil. He noted that he viewed Spain and France as the top contenders throughout the tournament. However, France’s journey ended with a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-finals, paving the way for De la Fuente’s team to clinch the World Cup and add to their recent international achievements.
Spain has not found themselves behind at any point in the tournament and are on the hunt for their second World Cup title, having last won in South Africa in 2010. In contrast, Argentina is striving for a fourth championship and an emotional finale to what Lionel Messi has hinted may be his last game for the national team.
Despite this, Ronaldo praised Argentina’s journey as remarkable, noting that the reigning champions have reached the final again, just four years after their victory in Qatar.
Ronaldo possesses unique insights into the immense pressure of a World Cup final. He was part of Brazil’s championship squad in 1994 and led the team to the final in 1998, earning the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player. Four years later, following serious knee injuries that threatened his career, Ronaldo staged a triumphant comeback, netting eight goals in the 2002 World Cup, including both in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Germany in the final.
Player Focus
“I doubt Argentina has the capability to recover if Spain takes a lead of one or two goals, as Spain will likely dominate possession,” he commented. The Brazilian forward, who boasts two World Cup titles, scored 15 goals in 19 matches, making him Brazil’s all-time leading scorer in the tournament’s history.
Team Analysis
“I believe Spain will secure a decisive victory,” Ronaldo remarked.
“In my opinion, both France and Spain have always been the frontrunners,” he added.
Ronaldo’s strong confidence seems to stem from Spain’s ability to control possession and set the pace of the game. He warned that if Spain gains an early lead, Argentina might struggle to find a path back into the match.
