Argentina Coach Considers Two Lineup Changes Ahead of 2026 World Cup Final Against Spain

Argentina is finalizing preparations for the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, scheduled for Sunday at 22:00. Coach Lionel Scaloni is contemplating two potential changes to the starting lineup based on performances in the semifinal victory over England. Nico González and Gonzalo Montiel, who came off the bench and impressed, may be promoted to the starting eleven. González could replace Leandro Paredes in midfield, potentially strengthening defensive support for Nicolás Tagliafico against Spain's right flank threats. Montiel might start instead of Nahuel Molina, who struggled in the semifinal and was involved in England's opening goal. However, Scaloni might keep Montiel on the bench as a reliable penalty taker for a possible shootout, as he scored the decisive penalty in the previous World Cup final against France. Another uncertainty is on the right side of midfield, where either Giuliano Simeone or Rodrigo De Paul could start. The rest of the lineup is expected to remain the same as in the semifinal. Scaloni is likely to withhold final lineup details until match day, maintaining strategic discretion ahead of the crucial match.