Muscat – From family gatherings at home to packed cafés and sports venues, football fans across Oman are preparing for a late night as Spain and Argentina face off in the FIFA World Cup final at 11pm on Sunday. With two of the tournament’s most impressive teams battling for football’s ultimate prize, anticipation is running high for what many expect to be a memorable finale.

Ahead of the eagerly awaited encounter, Muscat Daily spoke to former Oman internationals, football analysts and supporters to gauge expectations for the showdown.

Former Oman striker Imad Al Hosni believes Argentina’s experience of performing under pressure could give them a slight advantage.

“World Cup finals are usually decided by the smallest details,” he said. “Argentina possesses the mentality of champions and has enormous experience in managing high-pressure moments. They know how to win even when they are not at their best for long periods of the match.”

Acknowledging Spain’s impressive performances throughout the tournament, Al Hosni expects the European side to dominate possession but believes Argentina’s ability to absorb pressure and strike at decisive moments could prove the difference.

“Spain will control the ball and create chances, but if Argentina withstand the early pressure, I believe they will have the edge to win the title,” he added.

Ismail Al Ajmi, a sports analyst and a former national player, believes both finalists have fully justified their places through consistently impressive performances.

“Spain and Argentina have earned their places in the final because of the football they have displayed throughout the competition,” he said. “Spain plays attractive, collective football with excellent organisation and movement, while Argentina combines quality with determination, fighting spirit and the ability to compete until the final whistle.”

Having identified the strengths of both teams, Al Ajmi believes the final is impossible to predict.

“I see the chances as 50-50 for both teams. It is one of those matches where predicting the winner is extremely difficult because both sides have the quality and experience to become world champions.”

Yousef Al Sheyadi, goalkeeper of Khabourah Club, expects the defense and goalkeeping to have a major influence on the outcome.

“Finals are different from ordinary matches,” he said. “Defensive discipline and concentration are often more important than attacking flair. The goalkeeper could become the hero with one decisive save or even in a penalty shootout.”

Al Sheyadi believes the team that commits fewer mistakes will ultimately lift the trophy.

“Both teams possess world-class players, but in a final, a single mistake can decide everything. I would not be surprised if the match goes into extra time or penalties.”

Among football fans, the excitement is equally high. Shafeek Farook hopes Spain completes the impressive campaign by winning the title.

“They have played exciting, attacking football throughout the tournament and, in my opinion, have been the most entertaining team,” he said. “I hope Spain lifts the trophy.”

With millions expected to tune in around the world, anticipation continues to build for Sunday’s kick-off. Whether Spain’s technical brilliance or Argentina’s championship pedigree prevails, football fans are expecting a memorable final to bring the curtain down on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.