Iker Casillas predicts Spain’s 2026 World Cup win over Argentina

Iker Casillas has tipped Spain to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 16-year wait for a final berth.

What did Casillas say?

Former Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas predicted a second World Cup crown for La Roja on July 19 in East Rutherford. Casillas fired off a tweet hours before the final, urging Spain to stop Argentina’s bid for back-to-back titles. “There won’t be a 4th ⭐️, 🇦🇷! We're going for the 2nd!! Come on 🇪🇸!” he wrote.

How did Spain reach the final?

Spain beat France 2-0 in the first semi-final on July 14 in Arlington. Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro struck in the second half to seal the win. The side conceded just once in the knockout rounds-a quarter-final goal against Belgium-before blanking France.

Why does Casillas’ pick matter?

Casillas led Spain to their only World Cup in 2010. His forecast adds weight to Spain’s defensive record: they’ve shut out every opponent except Belgium. Argentina, meanwhile, have shipped six goals in four knockout games and haven’t kept a clean sheet since a group-stage win over Austria.

What’s at stake for Argentina?

Lionel Messi sits atop the Golden Boot with eight goals and four assists. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also holds the all-time World Cup records for goals (21) and assists (12). A win would cap a record-breaking tournament for the Albiceleste captain.