The FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches its conclusion this weekend with two final matches featuring plenty of Ligue 1 McDonald's talent. France will face England in Saturday's third-place play-off before Spain and Argentina meet in Sunday's final at the MetLife Stadium.
France look to finish on a high
Didier Deschamps will take charge of France for the final time as Les Bleus attempt to secure a third World Cup bronze medal. Their hopes of reaching the final were ended by Spain, who claimed a deserved 2-0 victory in the semi-finals.
France now turn their attention to England, who were beaten 2-1 by defending champions Argentina despite taking an early lead through Anthony Gordon. Les Bleus will hope to end the tournament positively, having previously finished third at the 1958 and 1986 World Cups.
There are concerns over the fitness of William Saliba after the Arsenal defender was forced off with a back problem against Spain, while Maxence Lacroix could be handed a starting role in central defence if Saliba is unavailable.
Kylian Mbappé is expected to lead the French attack once again alongside several familiar Ligue 1 faces, including Désiré Doué, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise.
Spain and Argentina battle for the crown
Sunday's final pits two continental champions against one another as reigning European champions Spain face defending world champions Argentina.
Spain have impressed throughout the tournament with their defensive solidity, conceding just once on their route to the final. Luis de la Fuente's side booked their place in the showpiece by defeating France 2-0, thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
Argentina, meanwhile, have taken a different path. Lionel Scaloni's side have scored a tournament-high 19 goals, coming from behind to beat England in the semi-finals through Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez after Lionel Messi provided both assists.
The Albiceleste are now aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the men's World Cup, while Spain are chasing a second world title after their triumph in 2010.
Probable line-ups
France: Maignan; Koundé, Konaté, Lacroix, T. Hernandez; Koné, Zaïre-Emery; Cherki, Olise, Doué; Mbappé.
England: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Spain: Unai Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Yamal, Dani Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.
Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Julián Álvarez.
