The first half of the final match of the 2026 World Cup between Argentina and Spain ended in a goalless draw (0-0), in a match characterized by tactical caution, with a relative advantage for the Spanish national team in possession of the ball, in exchange for the absence of dangerous opportunities for the goalkeepers.
Spain imposed its control over the course of the game from the first minutes, as its percentage of possession of the ball reached 68% compared to 32% for Argentina after a quarter of an hour, before settling at 63% compared to 37% at the end of the half.
The tenth minute witnessed the first Spanish attempts to put pressure on the Argentine defense, while La Roja won the first corner kick in the 12th minute. Minutes later, Lamine Yamal brilliantly dribbled and sent a cross, but the Argentine goalkeeper succeeded in catching it.
In the 15th minute, Alexis McAllister committed a strong challenge on Dani Olmo, causing the referee to call a foul without issuing a yellow card.
The match was stopped in the 24th minute for a water break, while the two teams lost any real chances until the 35th minute, amid a cautious and closed performance.
Mikel Oyarzabal wasted an opportunity for Spain in the 39th minute with a low shot that was easily caught by the Argentine goalkeeper, before Lisandro Martinez received a yellow card in the 41st minute.
The Argentine national team suffered a blow due to the injury of Lisandro Martinez, who left the field in the 44th minute and Nicolas Otamendi entered in his place, while Mark Cucurría almost opened the scoring before the end of the half, after he shot a low ball that passed near the left post.
The referee counted four minutes of stoppage time, before blowing the whistle to end the first half in a goalless draw (0-0).
