Ex-France defender Mikael Silvestre and Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill spoke to FIFA Podcast
Football experts impressed with Spain and Argentina's run to the final
Watch the full interview on the FIFA Podcast
After 102 matches, the has found its finalists: and .
The two sides have arrived at the final through very different paths. La Roja slowly built their momentum after a difficult group stage, and have relied on controlled possession to nullify opposition attacks and create their own goal threats.
Despite their dominant possession style, was not expected in certain circles.
"Honestly, speaking to a lot of people, I think only Spain and Spanish fans and the Spain team were believing that they could do it against France," former Les Bleus defender Mikael Silvestre told the FIFA Podcast. "France were the favourites, because the form they've shown in the tournament, because of the offensive talent we have."
"We didn't turn up and Spain, on the other side, that was the best performance in the tournament," he added.
Northern Ireland coach and (TSG) member Michael O'Neill agreed with that sentiment.
"I did think that France would come out on top, to be honest, with the firepower they had, how they’ve played in the tournament so far," he said. "But, for me, I thought they [Spain] were brilliant, how they managed the game. If you look, on the day, they nullified all France’s individual threats and their team, their possession in the middle of the pitch was terrific between Fabian Ruiz, Rodri and [Dani] Olmo, as well. Olmo was brilliant in finding space behind the French midfield.
"The penalty was probably something they needed to get ahead in the game. I was at the game, and Spain were the clear winners on the day."
In hindsight, Silvestre admitted that perhaps Spain's return to their first final since lifting the trophy in 2010 was something fans could have seen coming. "Everybody was like, ‘Oh, they drew 0-0 against Cabo Verde,’ but now if we look back, we’re like, actually that’s how they built their successes, not conceding first, and then they take care of the business going forward," the Frenchman explained.
La Albiceleste meanwhile, cruised through the group stage securing a perfect nine points, but suffered through each of their knockout-phase games, showing an unbreakable spirit to recover from a deficit time and again to reach their .
"Again, it’s like a story we've seen in this tournament," Silvestre commented. "They’ve [come] back from behind. They were also behind before. And again and again, they’re back in style at the biggest stage, the semi-final. That’s the game you want to win."
O'Neill admitted that, having watched the Albiceleste play in the Round of 32 and again in the quarter-finals, he thought England would have the edge in the last four. But Argentina's fighting spirit proved too much for them.
"I actually thought coming into this game that England would be favourites," he reflected. "But they [Argentina] have that spirit to be able to react. They’re a team for whom I think that when they’re behind, their big players step up. We’ve seen that again with Enzo Fernandez’s goal, obviously [Lionel] Messi with the assist at the end as well. So their character has shone through right through the tournament. I don’t think they’ve played any of the knockout-stage games and won comfortably, or ever been comfortable in any of the games."
While there have been surprises throughout the tournament, O'Neill believes the final is the match-up most would have expected: "I do think that we're not surprised by the final that we have, and I think we'll have hopefully a great final and an open game as well, I think."
The Albiceleste enter the final undefeated at this tournament and with the opportunity to become the first repeat champions since Brazil in 1962. Spain, on the other hand, come in not having lost a match since March 2023 and looking to once again claim the World Cup as defending European champions.
The FIFA Podcast takes fans to the heart of FIFA World Cup 2026™ with exclusive access, expert analysis and unforgettable stories from across Canada, Mexico and USA. Hosted by Olivia Buzaglo and Christian Vieri, the show features FIFA legends, current football stars and celebrity guests reflecting on the tournament’s biggest moments. From match reactions and behind-the-scenes insights to unique World Cup memories, each episode offers a fresh perspective on the beautiful game. .
Sources: FIFA Official
