Manchester United and England legend Rio Ferdinand believes Spain will win the 2026 World Cup.
However, he said Argentina should not be underestimated. He praised the South American side for their fighting spirit and said it is disrespectful to call them an average team.
Spain will face Argentina in the World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Although Argentina are the defending champions, many people believe Spain are the favourites to win the match.
Spain has been outstanding throughout the tournament in North America. They have scored 13 goals and conceded only one in seven matches. Argentina, on the other hand, have had to work hard to reach the final.
Even so, Ferdinand said Lionel Messi’s team deserves more respect.
He said via Sky Sports, “I find it difficult to bet against Argentina. They have demonstrated remarkable character, determination, and resilience. I believe people have been somewhat disrespectful by calling them an average team; they are not.”
“They possess one of the greatest players to have ever played the game. Even at 39, he remains one of the top players in the world, and they have a fantastic team. You cannot achieve what they have in finals and major competitions over the past few years, becoming world champions, and still refer to them as average,” Ferdinand added.
The former England defender also praised Argentina’s ability to perform well under pressure but said he expects Spain to win the final.
“I think it is inappropriate and disrespectful. If you are saying that, you clearly do not watch enough football, as they are an excellent team, and in challenging situations, they become even better and stronger. However, I do believe Spain will win the match,” he concluded.
