Spain produced a commanding first-half display in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, keeping Argentina under constant pressure and dictating the tempo throughout the opening 45 minutes. Although La Roja failed to find the breakthrough, they enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, created the better chances and left the defending champions with plenty to worry about heading into the interval.

Lamine Yamal came within inches of giving Spain the lead in the fifth minute with the first clear-cut chance of the final. His attempted cross into the box was deflected into the path of Dani Olmo, who cleverly returned the ball to the young winger. Yamal controlled it well, but a superb combined effort from Lisandro Martínez and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez denied Spain the opening goal.

The final began at a frantic pace, with both sides exchanging attacks and counter-attacks. Mikel Oyarzabal produced a brilliant flick to release Pedro Porro, who went down under a challenge from Alexis Mac Allister. However, referee Slavko Vinčić waved away Spain’s appeals for a foul.

Spain made the brighter start, but Argentina also threatened on the counter. In the seventh minute, goalkeeper Unai Simón raced off his line to deny Lionel Messi, preventing the Argentine captain from getting a clear sight of goal.

Despite the deadlock, Spain looked the more dangerous side throughout the first half, controlling possession and pinning Argentina back for long spells while the reigning world champions struggled to impose themselves on the game.