Toni Kroos Predicts Spain's Victory if It Scores First Against Argentina

Former Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has backed Spain to win the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina, stating that scoring first would seal the title.

What happened?

On July 19, 2026, Kroos made his prediction alongside his brother Felix, praising Spain's style of play and arguing that Luis de la Fuente's side becomes nearly unstoppable once it takes the lead. "If a team like Spain is allowed to play while leading, you don't want to face them," Kroos said.

Why it matters for Toni Kroos

Kroos, a former Real Madrid midfielder, believes that an early Spanish goal could decide the match. "If Spain scores the first goal, forget it. They'll score three or four. Argentina won't find any solutions," he stated.

What comes next?

Despite backing Spain, Kroos was full of praise for Argentina's mentality and especially for Lionel Messi, whose influence continues to impress despite being 39 years old. "Argentina isn't better than Germany, but they have an incredible mentality and Messi has taken them to the final. I realize Messi's football intelligence keeps increasing all the time," Kroos said.

The German also admitted that he expected the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to be Messi's last appearance on football's biggest stage. Instead, the Argentine captain has once again led his country to the final and now stands one victory away from guiding Argentina to a historic consecutive World Cup title, while Spain seeks its second world championship.

Kroos's prediction has sparked debate ahead of the highly anticipated final, with many fans and pundits weighing in on the chances of both teams. As the world waits with bated breath for the outcome, one thing is certain-the 2026 World Cup final is shaping up to be an unforgettable encounter.

The rivalry between Spain and Argentina

The rivalry between Spain and Argentina is one of the most intense in international football, with both teams boasting a rich history of success on the biggest stage. With the two teams set to face off in the final, fans can expect an electric atmosphere at the stadium.

The impact of Toni Kroos's prediction

Kroos's prediction has sent shockwaves through the football world, with many fans and pundits taking to social media to share their thoughts on the German's comments. While some have praised Kroos for his honesty, others have criticized him for being too confident in Spain's chances.

The road to the final

The road to the final has been a long and arduous one for both teams, with Spain and Argentina having to navigate a tough group stage and knockout rounds to reach the final. Despite the challenges they have faced, both teams have shown incredible resilience and determination, and fans can expect an exciting encounter in the final.

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