Zlatan Ibrahimović has thrown his weight behind Spain ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina, predicting that La Roja’s dominant possession game will overwhelm the defending champions. The Swedish football legend and Fox Sports analyst, who has been covering the tournament alongside Alexi Lalas and Thierry Henry, said Spain’s commanding performance against France in the semi final convinced him they can handle Lionel Messi’s side. “Spain had a top performance against France. I believe they can handle Argentina,” Ibrahimović said. He added that Argentina is not a counter attacking team, which plays into Spain’s hands, predicting La Roja will dominate through their collective style.
The final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, pits two contrasting footballing philosophies against each other. Spain enter as slight favorites with bookmakers, having conceded just one goal in seven matches and riding a 37 match unbeaten streak. Their defensive solidity, anchored by a suffocating midfield press, saw them control France from start to finish in a 2-0 semi final victory. Argentina, meanwhile, have relied on late game resilience and Messi’s individual brilliance, stunning England with two goals in the final ten minutes after falling behind. No team has successfully defended the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, and Messi, now 39 and widely expected to be playing his final tournament, is seeking a fairytale send off with a second consecutive title.
Ibrahimović’s prediction carries weight beyond punditry. The 44 year old, who retired in 2023 after winning 34 trophies across six countries and scoring over 570 career goals, has never shied away from bold opinions. His analysis of Spain’s strengths, their possession based approach, defensive organization, and ability to control tempo, aligns with tactical assessments from across the football world. Yet Argentina’s tournament narrative has been one of defying expectations, with Messi providing decisive assists in both the quarter final and semi final when his team seemed destined for elimination. Whether Spain’s methodical dominance or Argentina’s emotional late surges prevail will determine whether Ibrahimović’s call proves prophetic or whether Messi adds one more chapter to an already legendary career.
