Just hours away from the grand final of the 2026 World Cup, predictions are flying around and the biggest football legends are sharing their insights. This time, it’s Ronaldo Nazário weighing in on the much-anticipated clash between Spain and Argentina. A two-time world champion with Brazil in 1994 and 2002, the former Seleção striker expressed his thoughts on this match that pits two of the tournament’s best nations against each other. For the “Fenômeno,” La Roja has all the ingredients to claim the world title.
This final features two teams with very different journeys. Spain has impressed since the start of the tournament with its collective mastery, possession play, and ability to control the pace of matches. Luis de la Fuente’s men have shown great consistency and have given their opponents very few chances. Their technical and tactical dominance has allowed them to progress through each stage with confidence, confirming their status as title contenders.
On the other hand, Argentina has had a much more tumultuous path. The Albiceleste has had to dig deep on several occasions to avoid elimination. Despite facing tough scenarios, the reigning world champions have always found ways to turn things around thanks to their character, experience, and individual talent. Led by Lionel Messi, the Argentinians now dream of a fourth world title and a second consecutive victory, an achievement that would further etch their name in football history.
Despite Argentina’s remarkable ability to bounce back, Ronaldo believes this final will be completely different from previous matches played by the South American side. He thinks Spain has a higher level and the qualities needed to prevent any comebacks. The former Ballon d’Or winner sees La Roja quickly gaining the upper hand over their opponent and never allowing them the chance to get back into the game.
“I think Spain will win the match easily. My favorites have always been Spain and France, and I said during our last show that the winner of this semi-final would be the world champion,” Ronaldo stated on ESPN Brasil. A very clear stance from the Brazilian legend, who doesn’t hide his admiration for the football displayed by the Spanish team throughout this World Cup.
Ronaldo is also convinced that Argentina won’t be able to replicate the spectacular comebacks that got them to this final. In his eyes, if Lionel Scaloni’s men go down 1-0 or 2-0 against Spain, their chances of coming back would be extremely low against such a disciplined and effective Spanish team in ball retention.
🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Ronaldo Nazario: “Spain are going to win the World Cup final, and easily.” pic.twitter.com/uC2bBywVzD
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 19, 2026
“I don’t believe Argentina will have the strength to come back if they are trailing 1-0 or 2-0 against Spain. Why? Because Spain will have possession of the ball throughout the match (…) Spain knows what to do in any phase of play,” Ronaldo concluded. For the Brazilian legend, the tactical mastery of La Roja should make all the difference in this final.
Now, it remains to be seen if Ronaldo’s prediction will hold true on the pitch. Spain will be aiming for their second World Cup title, sixteen years after their triumph in South Africa in 2010. Argentina, on the other hand, hopes to retain their world crown and give Lionel Messi another historic victory. One thing is for sure: this final promises to be thrilling and could enter the annals of world football.
