Spain and Argentina will battle for soccer’s biggest prize during the finals of the 2026 World Cup at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Before the opening whistle is blown in East Rutherford, New Jersey, high school soccer players in the Indianapolis area shared their thoughts and predictions for this weekend’s fanfare with the IndyStar.
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Who will win the final?
Overall, Indy-area players were fairly split between Spain and Argentina. Spain is headlined by 19-year-old phenom Lamine Yamal. The national team is looking to win its first World Cup since 2010.
On the flip side, Argentina is the defending world champion. A squad led by star Lionel Messi, arguably the best soccer player in the world. The Argentines are looking for their second consecutive World Cup title after winning it in 2022.
Our survey received 60 responses with 55% of voters leaning towards Spain and 45% choosing Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup.
The Messi effect
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has captained the ship for Argentina in its World Cup voyage this year. The Inter Miami star has notched eight goals, which is tied for the most in this World Cup with Kylian Mbappé. He is tied for second in assists with four.
“I want Spain to win, but I just don’t think anyone can stop Messi,” said Westfield’s Brynn Sargent.
Messi is regarded by some as one of the best to ever lace up a pair of soccer cleats. He has lit up the Miami sports scene in recent years. Who has leveled up Major League Soccer (MLS) since arriving in 2023. This World Cup has become a reminder of his stardom, which has instrumental in his countrymen’s pursuit of gold.
“Messi is still the Goat, so I expect him to get at least one goal or assist,” said Lake Central’s Cooper Hincks. “Spain’s team is good, but I still believe Argentina is better.”
Argentina’s resilience has turned heads
Argentina has had a knack for dramatic comebacks in the knockout rounds. Trailing in the second half of the semifinals, Enzo Fernández tied things up at the 85th minute. Lautaro Martínez scored the winning goal in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory over England.
Their road to the final also included a 3-2 win over Cape Verde in the round of 32. Down 2-0 in the round of 16, they scored three goals in a row in the final 11 minutes against Egypt to stay alive.
“Messi and Argentina have shown that even when going down in the score they have the mentality and aggression to find ways to win the ball back and find the back of the net time and time again,” said Lawrence North’s Dario Vicente Flores.
While Argentina hasn’t steamrolled teams with perfection, their fighting spirit has added to their stock as World Cup contenders. It’s a characteristic that some Indy-area players believe will pay dividends during Sunday’s final.
“Every single one of the players is willing to lay it all out and die for the team and each other,” said Westfield’s Max Goldman. “That passion is what wins big games like this. Also, they have Messi. That’s enough said on its own.”
Spain’s supporters see a complete team
As the reigning European champions, Spain has operated with a fierce backline. They’ve conceded just one goal in seven World Cup matches entering Sunday’s final.
They secured a 2-0 semifinal win over France, the 2018 champions and 2022 runners-up. Whose renowned offense was blanked when pitted against Spain’s defensive unit.
“Defensively, Spain have been the best team in my opinion,” said Lawrence North’s Alejandro Hernandez. “Even with (Kylian) Mbappé, (Bradley) Barcola, (Michael) Olise, (Ousmane) Dembélé and (Désiré) Doué, Spain didn’t let France have many opportunities.”
Supporters from Indy see the Spaniards as a well-rounded team. A squad with Mikel Oyarzabal, the team’s leader in goals with five. They also have Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, most commonly known as Rodri, who is expected to be effective at midfield and contribute defensively.
“The way Spain progresses the ball is beautiful, the entire team collaborates as a single unit rather than as individual players,” said Westfield’s Mack Keefer. “It’s like watching a brain orchestrate its eleven arms, headlined by their magnificent captain, Rodri.”
There’s also Marc Cucurella, a defensive catalyst who has matched up against the world’s top wingers.
“His pace of play and one-on-one defending has been unmatched,” said Noblesville’s Chase Musgrove. “Made some crucial tackles against France and will have the same performance in the final.”
Will Lamine Yamal show up for Spain?
Yamal, who was famously photographed with Messi as an infant, has seemed destined for greatness. He has become known as the next big thing. Who took over Barcelona’s legendary No. 10 jersey after his predecessor, Messi. He is a teenager that has speed and creativity.
He scored one goal in seven matches of his World Cup debut. His lone strike came during Spain’s 4-0 group stage win over Saudi Arabia on June 21. It’s small production but some Indy-area players believe he has saved his best game for the final.
“I think Lamine Yamal will perform super well because he hasn’t been the best this tournament,” said Lake Central’s Aleksandar Damjanovic. “But I think he will show up for this one, as well as (Marc) Cucurella who has looked really strong defensively.”
More than a game
The World Cup has been hosted in 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico, but its impact has reached Indianapolis and its high school soccer community.
The competition shown on the grand stage has been an eye opener for Indy-area soccer players. It’s proven to be a platform where underdogs can challenge title favorites. It’s become a shining example of fortitude, the kind of tournament that will be deemed “nostalgic” as Indy’s fútbol athletes grow past 2026.
“This tournament has changed my outlook on underdog matchups due to the incredible story of Cape Verde,” said Zionsville’s Amos Gotshall. “I originally thought upsets in soccer were scarce, especially at the highest level. Obviously, those beliefs were reevaluated after I saw a small country fight tooth and nail against the defending champs for two hours.”
This year’s international series has inspired young people to want to represent their country. To rock the colors of their native land. To feel the energy of a rocking stadium filled with the spirit of different countries. It has motivated Indy-area soccer players to dream big and work towards their goal.
“It’s means so much to me as it’s been my dream my entire life to represent my country Spain and honor my late grandfather, who passed away last spring,” said Westfield’s Mack Keefer. “He was the biggest Spain fan I knew and he played amateur (soccer) there.”
The 2026 World Cup has brought people from all walks of life together to watch the best soccer players compete for the sports’ top prize. It’s become a global celebration that has reached the hearts of young soccer players in the Indy-area.
“To me, it is a summer filled with people from all over the world celebrating the greatest sport in the world,” Sargent said. “It’s a chance for fans to unite even through all the chaos. No matter the race, culture or differences.”
Score predictions
Respondents who didn’t add their name and/or school are not listed.
Brownsburg
Franklin Central
Lake Central
Lawrence Central
Lawrence North
Noblesville
Westfield
Zionsville
Marc Ray is a high school sports reporter at the IndyStar. He can be reached at marc.ray@indystar.com , and on X, formerly Twitter, at @themarcszn.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Who’s winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Indy-area high school soccer players weigh in
Reporting by Marc Ray, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Marc Ray, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
