Yamal has never lost a game for Spain. He has started 12 matches across World Cups and Euros combined and won every single one — the best 100% record of any European player across the two competitions. At 19, he plays his first World Cup final two years after winning Euro 2024, and his dribbling, his ability to receive in tight spaces under pressure, and his directness against deep defensive lines make him Spain’s most dangerous individual attacker. Argentina will dedicate significant defensive resources to him — which is exactly what creates space for Oyarzabal, Olmo and Spain’s overlapping full-backs, as Porro’s semifinal goal proved.

Oyarzabal scored the winner in the Euro 2024 final and converted the penalty that broke France in this semifinal — no one in this squad has a stronger record of producing in the biggest matches. He now has 5 goals in this tournament, and his movement between defenders, his composure under pressure, and his ability to finish from any angle give Spain a centre-forward who doesn’t need volume to produce output. Against Argentina’s defensive structure, Oyarzabal’s ability to create his own chances from minimal space is the key to Spain opening the scoring in a final that projects tight.

Merino scored late winners in consecutive knockout matches — vs Portugal (90+1′) and vs Belgium — before Spain’s control against France made a rescue act unnecessary. His physicality, his timing of runs into the box, and his composure in big moments make him Spain’s most dangerous second-half option, and he is one of the five Spain players who have never lost at a World Cup or Euros. If the final is level entering the last half hour, watch for Merino to be the change De la Fuente turns to — he has already decided two knockout games this tournament.