World: World Cup
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Spain
Argentina
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By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

2026 World Cup predicted lineups: Final and third-place match XIs

Looking for 2026 World Cup predicted lineups for your Fantasy team? Here are our predicted XIs for the final between Spain and Argentina, as well as the third-place match between England and France.
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Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

This article features our predicted lineups for the final and third-place match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making it a useful resource for Fantasy World Cup managers looking for likely starters, key players and potential differential picks.

Below, you'll find our predicted XIs for the two remaining fixtures of the 2026 World Cup: the the third-place match between England and France and the final between Spain and Argentina.

2026 World Cup predicted final and third-place match lineups

France vs. England – Predicted Lineups

Spain vs. Argentina – Predicted Lineups

Bundesliga news

Rumor FC BayernBayern Munich looking to beat competition and sign highly-rated midfielder
Stuttgart & WolfsburgStuttgart confirm interest in Wolfsburg striker
Transfer Eintracht FrankfurtConfirmed: Eintracht Frankfurt defender joins Coventry City
Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup predicted lineups: Final and third-place match XIs
Rumor Werder BremenHull City chief confirms interest in Werder Bremen attacker
Rumor Bayern MunichBayern Munich reject rumours of Olise's desire to join Real Madrid
Rumor Borussia DortmundDortmund exhale as Schlotterbeck release clause officially expires
TSG Hoffenheim & RB LeipzigHoffenheim's Asllani to decide between joining Barcelona or Leipzig
Transfer Borussia MönchengladbachCD Tenerife to complete signing of Gladbach forward Grant-Leon Ranos
Transfer FC AugsburgOfficial: FC Augsburg's Elias Saad joins Nashville SC on year-long loan
Rumor German National Team"Strung along & false promises" – DFB employee critical of Nagelsmann's dealings with squad
Rumor Bayern MunichBayern's João Palhinha tipped for Premier League return with Aston Villa
Rumor TSG HoffenheimHoffenheim eye potential Touré replacement in Feyenoord's Leo Sauer

Table

Kickfieber

Match days

BundesligaBundesliga and 2. Bundesliga 2026/27 fixtures released
FC Bayern & StuttgartBayern and Stuttgart to kick off the 2026/27 Bundesliga season
Post-match reaction VfL Wolfsburg Hecking irked by misfiring Wolfsburg's "sloppy" attacking play against Paderborn
VfL WolfsburgPatrick Wimmer to miss Wolfsburg's relegation play-off clash with Paderborn
Preview WOLFSBURG & PADERBORNVfL Wolfsburg vs. SC Paderborn 07 preview: Relegation duel at Volkswagen Arena
Team of the week BundesligaBundesliga Team of the Week – Matchday 34
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundRyerson and Anton reflect on "a good season" for Borussia Dortmund
Post-match reaction FC BayernLeon Goretzka “proud” after lifting Bundesliga trophy in Bayern home farewell
Post-match reaction 1. FC HeidenheimFrank Schmidt admits Heidenheim "deserved to go down"
Post-match reaction FC St. PauliJackson Irvine "devastated" after St. Pauli's relegation from the Bundesliga
Post-match reaction VFL WOLFSBURG"Very relieved, but also proud": Quotes from Wolfsburg players after key win in Hamburg
Post-match reaction Eintracht FrankfurtKrösche leaves Riera’s future at Eintracht Frankfurt open
Post-match reaction Bayer 04 LeverkusenRolfes refuses to commit to Hjulmand after Leverkusen finish sixth
Match report ST. PAULI & WOLFSBURGPirate ship sinks as Wolfsburg advance to playoff
Match report Eintracht Frankfurt & StuttgartDraw enough as VfB Stuttgart secure Champions League qualification in Frankfurt
Match report Leverkusen, HSVHSV debutant Tangvik thwarts inefficient Leverkusen
Match report Borussia Dortmund & Werder BremenGuirassy and Couto deliver victory for Borussia Dortmund over Werder Bremen
Match report Bayern & KölnBayern celebrate remarkable season with dominant win over Köln
Match report Freiburg & RB LeipzigSC Freiburg crush Leipzig to secure Conference League football ahead of Europa League final
Match report 1. FSV Mainz 05 & 1. FC Heidenheim Heidenheim suffer relegation after defeat to Mainz
Match report Gladbach, HoffenheimGladbach end season with big win as Hoffenheim settle for Europa League spot
Match report 1.FC Union Berlin & FC AugsburgUnion Berlin sign off with four-goal rout to crush Augsburg's European dreams
Bayern & KölnConfirmed lineups: FC Bayern Munich vs 1. FC Köln
Bayer Leverkusen, HSVConfirmed Lineups: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Hamburger SV
Frankfurt & StuttgartConfirmed lineups: Eintracht Frankfurt vs. VfB Stuttgart

Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup: Predicted semi-final lineups
Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup: Predicted quarter-final lineups
Fantasy Football World CupWorld Cup: Predicted lineups for the Round of 16
Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup predicted lineups: Final and third-place match XIs
Fantasy Football World CupWorld Cup: Predicted lineups for the Round of 32
Fantasy Football World CupWorld Cup 2026: Predicted lineups for all 48 teams on Matchday 3
Fantasy Football World CupPredicted lineups for all 48 teams at the World Cup – Matchday 2
Fantasy Football German national teamWho takes penalties for Germany? Havertz gives update
Fantasy Football FantasyWorld Cup 2026 Fantasy tips: The 10 best Germany stars to target
Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup free kick and corner kick takers
Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup penalty takers
Fantasy Football World CupPredicted lineups for all 48 teams at the World Cup
Fantasy Football GermanyHow Germany could line up at the World Cup
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 34
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 34
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 34
Fantasy Football FantasyWatch: Matchday 33 Fantasy Bundesliga show
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 33
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 33
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 33
Fantasy Football Champions LeaguePredicted Champions League semi-final second-leg lineups
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 32
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 32
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 32
Fantasy Football Champions LeaguePredicted Champions League semi-final first-leg lineups

German Teams in Europe

Bayern MunichBayern chief feels Arsenal missed "huge opportunity" against "deserving" PSG
FC BayernBayern duo named in the Champions League Team of the Season
Bayern Munich & German National Team“I'm crossing the fingers for Kai" – Kimmich wishes Havertz well for UCL finale
Germany“It hurts” – Nagelsmann on tough call to leave Stuttgart duo out of World Cup squad
Post-match reaction SC FreiburgIgor Matanović thanks Freiburg fans for support: "We really wanted to give them something back"
Post-match reaction SC Freiburg"We didn't manage to trouble them" – Vincenzo Grifo on Freiburg's Europa League final defeat to Aston Villa
Post-match reaction SC FreiburgFrustrated Schuster praises Aston Villa’s perfect display
Analysis/Commentary SC FreiburgSC Freiburg vs Aston Villa: Europa League final player ratings
Match report SC FreiburgFreiburg suffer Europa League heartbreak as Emery’s Villa prevail in Istanbul
SC FreiburgConfirmed Europa League Final Lineups: SC Freiburg vs. Aston Villa
SC FreiburgEverton’s Merlin Röhl “proud” of his former Freiburg teammates
SC FreiburgDFB bosses and Julian Nagelsmann travel to Istanbul to support Freiburg
SC FreiburgEmi Martinez praises Noah Atubolu before Europa League final
SC FreiburgUnai Emery: “I’m not Europa League king”
SC FreiburgMaximilian Eggestein admits Freiburg didn’t plan to reach Europa League final
SC FreiburgChristian Günter hails Freiburg’s progress ahead of Europa League final
SC FreiburgJulian Schuster reflects on dream start to coaching career
Preview SC Freiburg UEFA Europa League Final Preview: SC Freiburg vs. Aston Villa
Bayern MunichMatthäus encourages Bayern to trust front-footed approach next season
Champions LeagueBundesliga arbiter Daniel Siebert to referee 2026 Champions League final
Post-match reaction SC FreiburgIgor Matanović: “It was 34,000 against 11 today”
Post-match reaction SC FreiburgTearful Schuster hails Freiburg fans after historic night
BundesligaOfficial: Spain beat Germany for extra Champions League spot
Match report SC FreiburgFreiburg reach first-ever European final with perfect home record
SC FreiburgConfirmed Lineups: SC Freiburg vs. SC Braga

DFB-Pokal

DFB-Pokal Dates and times confirmed for first round fixtures of 2026-27 DFB-Pokal
DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal first round draw: Trip to 2. Bundesliga side for Bayern, Dortmund face fifth-tier team
Post-match reaction DFB-PokalSebastian Hoeneß: “Eventually we will crack Bayern!”
Post-match reaction DFB-PokalVincent Kompany: “Sometimes you just have to stand there and admire this team!”
Post-match reaction DFB-PokalDeniz Undav: "Tonight, there’ll be a frustration döner"
Post-match reaction DFB-PokalHoeneß: “Harry Kane is the biggest transfer we have ever made!”
Post-match reaction DFB-PokalGoretzka: “I haven’t lost a final in my eight years at Bayern - and there was no way that was going to change tonight!”
Post-match reaction DFB-PokalEberl "confused" about Uli Hoeneß' statements amid DFB-Pokal victory
DFB-PokalPlayer ratings from the DFB-Pokal final between FC Bayern and VfB Stuttgart
Post-match reaction DFB-Pokal"I was looking forward to this final so much!" - hattrick hero Harry Kane
Match report FC Bayern, StuttgartFC Bayern end Pokal drought with Kane's treble over holders Stuttgart
FC Bayern, Stuttgart Confirmed DFB-Pokal Final Lineups: FC Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart
VfB StuttgartHoeneß and Karazor demanding "exceptional performance" in Pokal showdown with Bayern
Bayern Munich"We want to bring it back to Munich" – Kompany and Kimmich outline Pokal final intentions
FC BayernBayern confirm squad for DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart
Rumor FC BayernManuel Neuer set to miss Bayern's DFB-Pokal final clash with Stuttgart
Preview FC Bayern, StuttgartFC Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart DFB-Pokal Final preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Rumor Bayern MunichBayern to make final call on Neuer's availability for Pokal finale tomorrow
Bayern MunichEberl hoping Bayern "can bring things full circle" with Pokal win on Saturday
Rumor Germany & FC BayernManuel Neuer to undergo key tests with DFB-Pokal final and World Cup in doubt
Rumor Bayern Munich & German National TeamNeuer's calf problems can't be overlooked with World Cup looming
Bayern MunichHainer confirms no Marienplatz celebrations planned should Bayern win the DFB-Pokal
FC BayernMax Eberl gives update on Neuer as Bayern veteran remains doubtful for DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart
Bayern MunichBayern confirm Manuel Neuer suffers calf injury a week out from Pokal finale
Match report WOLFSBURG & BAYERNDominant Bayern performance to win third DFB-Pokal Frauen title

German National Team

Rumor German National Team"Strung along & false promises" – DFB employee critical of Nagelsmann's dealings with squad
Rumor German National TeamDFB rejects letter enabling Infantino to run for third term as FIFA president
Rumor Borussia MönchengladbachGladbach talent Wael Moyha to represent Morocco over Germany
Rumor German National TeamDFB chiefs hold first negotiations with Jürgen Klopp in New York
Rumor German National TeamMüller believes Klopp can put "the right structures in place" as Germany coach
German national team Jürgen Klopp reveals details of call With Rudi Völler as Germany appointment nears
German National TeamRudi Völler remains as DFB sporting director through to Euro 2028
Rumor German National TeamDFB chief Watzke reveals there are "hurdles to overcome" to make Klopp coach
DFBReport: Klopp to be handed sweeping powers by DFB
DFBPer Mertesacker open to DFB role amid Germany coaching reshuffle
FC Bayern & DFBFC Bayern fully back Klopp for Germany job
DFBDFB chiefs praise Nagelsmann following resignation - "He has put Germany before himself!"
DFBDFB sporting director Andreas Rettig announces departure
DFBGermany confirm talks with Jürgen Klopp
DFBOFFICIAL: Julian Nagelsmann steps down as Germany head coach
German National TeamMultiple reports: Julian Nagelsmann steps down as Germany head coach
Rumor German national teamNagelsmann on the brink of Germany exit after DFB crisis meeting
German national teamFive players likely to have played their last game for Germany
German national teamJulian Nagelsmann “has no chance” of staying on as Germany coach, according to source
German national teamFormer DFB chief reveals Klopp was lined up to become Germany coach in 2022
German national team“It destroys me” – Joshua Kimmich posts emotional statement after Germany's World Cup exit
German national teamNeuer has no regrets over Germany return despite early World Cup exit
Rumor German National TeamNagelsmann reportedly set for "swift" sacking as Germany head coach
Rumor German National TeamDFB to make decision on Nagelsmann's future "within days" as doubts grow
Rumor German National TeamDFB president Bernd Neuendorf to "examine" Germany's failings with Nagelsmann

Long reads

Analysis/Commentary Frauen-BundesligaBreaking away: Why the Frauen-Bundesliga is taking control of its own future
Analysis/Commentary FC BayernHow Bayern Munich could line up for the 2026/27 season
Analysis/Commentary BundesligaTop 10 Bundesliga transfers of the summer so far
Editor's pick SC FreiburgWhat Newcastle fans can expect from Johan Manzambi as transfer from Freiburg nears completion
Editor's pick FC AugsburgEXCLUSIVE: "Character is more important for us than talent" – Benjamin Weber explains Augsburg's scouting philosophy
Editor's pick TSG HoffenheimWhat Newcastle fans can expect from Bazoumana Touré as €50m move from Hoffenheim nears completion
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Paraguay: Several disappointing displays in heartbreaking exit
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Ecuador: Lacklustre display as winning run ends
Analysis/Commentary World CupWho replaces Nico Schlotterbeck? Germany’s three options after World Cup blow
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Côte d’Ivoire: Undav stars with brace off the bench
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Curaçao: Who shone in the 7-1 World Cup thrashing?
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs USA: Havertz decisive in scrappy win
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Finland: Undav and Karl shine ahead of World Cup
Analysis/Commentary VfL WolfsburgWolfsburg face major overhaul after first-ever Bundesliga relegation
Analysis/Commentary Bundesliga2025/26 Bundesliga Team of the Season
Analysis/Commentary SC FreiburgSC Freiburg vs Aston Villa: Europa League final player ratings
Analysis/Commentary German national teamNagelsmann’s Germany goalkeeper U-turn sparks controversy
Analysis/Commentary Bayern & WolfsburgBayern's Pokal triumph over Wolfsburg confirms changing of the guard in German women's football
Editor's pick FC Schalke 04"I’m thinking about my future every day" – 40-year-old Edin Džeko weighs up next move after Schalke fairy tale
Editor's pick Werder BremenWhy a move to a top club may come too early for Werder Bremen's Karim Coulibaly amid links to Chelsea, Newcastle and PSG
Editor's pick Bayer LeverkusenFrom Ouagadougou to Leverkusen: Edmond Tapsoba’s amazing journey
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande “happy and motivated” by interest from Europe’s elite
Editor's pick Borussia Mönchengladbach"I obviously came here to play more" – Giovanni Reyna reflects on Gladbach struggles and burning World Cup ambition
Analysis/Commentary FC BayernBayern Munich player ratings vs PSG: How the German champions fared at Allianz Arena
Editor's pick Hertha BSCWhy 16-year-old Hertha prodigy Kennet Eichhorn is attracting interest from Bayern, Dortmund and other top clubs

Exclusive interviews

Editor's pick FC AugsburgEXCLUSIVE: "Character is more important for us than talent" – Benjamin Weber explains Augsburg's scouting philosophy
Exclusive interview FC AugsburgEXCLUSIVE: Augsburg boss Benjamin Weber confirms “big market” interest in Kömür and Claude-Maurice amid exit talk
Exclusive interview World CupEXCLUSIVE: "He's the perfect coach for England" – Augsburg chief Benjamin Weber backs former boss Tuchel for World Cup glory
Editor's pick FC Schalke 04"I’m thinking about my future every day" – 40-year-old Edin Džeko weighs up next move after Schalke fairy tale
Exclusive interview VfL Wolfsburg“A very difficult and sad situation” – Edin Džeko on his ex-club VfL Wolfsburg’s relegation threat
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigYan Diomande names Real Madrid stars among inspirations as he sets sights on becoming one of the world's best
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande “happy and motivated” by interest from Europe’s elite
Editor's pick Borussia Mönchengladbach"I obviously came here to play more" – Giovanni Reyna reflects on Gladbach struggles and burning World Cup ambition
Exclusive interview Borussia MönchengladbachINTERVIEW: "I'd love to experience something different at some point" – Joe Scally opens door to Gladbach exit
Exclusive interview FC BayernLahm highlights defensive “danger” for Bayern ahead of PSG showdown
Editor's pick BundesligaPhilipp Lahm "curious" about new German U21 league – but insists senior-level minutes remain key for young players
Editor's pick RB Leipzig“We have to get even better” – CEO Tatjana Haenni on RB Leipzig’s goal to be "best in class" for talent
Editor's pick RB Leipzig"That's our goal" – RB Leipzig must be ready to pounce on Bundesliga title if Bayern falter, says CEO Tatjana Haenni
Exclusive interview FC Bayern & GermanyPhilipp Lahm: Gnabry injury a "bitter" blow for Bayern and Germany
Exclusive interview FC Bayern“Not a topic for me” – Philipp Lahm not considering Bayern management role
Exclusive interview FC BayernINTERVIEW: “The decisive phase is coming now” – Philipp Lahm on Bayern’s bid for a historic treble after Bundesliga title win
Editor's pick Borussia Dortmund​EXCLUSIVE: "We weren’t doing a good enough job" – Dortmund boss reveals how Club World Cup eye-opener forced a strategy shift
Editor's pick FC IngolstadtINTERVIEW: "I was afraid of closing the door" – Pioneering Ingolstadt coach Sabrina Wittmann on opening a new path for women in football
Editor's pick BundesligaINTERVIEW: "I was always a friend of opening up that rule..." – Jürgen Klinsmann weighs in on 50+1 debate
Exclusive interview FC BayernINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klinsmann hails Harry Kane as "fantastic" and "the best ambassador you could wish for"
Editor's pick Fortuna DüsseldorfEXCLUSIVE: Fortuna Düsseldorf CEO Alexander Jobst speaks out on speculation over his future amid sporting struggles
Editor's pick FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: "At the moment, there's no thought of switching" – Noahkai Banks on choosing between the US and Germany
Exclusive interview FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: USMNT and Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks names favorite club and childhood football idols
Exclusive interview Bundesliga"It's clear we need to change something" – How Jürgen Klopp recently hinted at plans for German U21 league
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: David Wagner outlines two key missions as RB Leipzig academy manager

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