The Matchday Crystal Ball: One final act, two massive battles and a World Cup ready for its grand finale.

Spain vs Argentina

[MetLife Stadium, Sunday, 10pm]

History beckons for Argentina as the world champions sit just one victory away from becoming only the third nation to successfully retain the World Cup, joining Brazil (1958 and 1962) and Italy (1934 and 1938) in one of football's most exclusive clubs.

Standing in their way, however, is a Spain side that has looked every bit the champions-elect. The European kings have swept through the tournament with authority, blending ruthless efficiency with a brand of possession football that has suffocated even the strongest opponents.

The numbers offer little to separate these two giants. Spain and Argentina have met 14 times across friendlies and competitive fixtures, with the head-to-head perfectly balanced at six wins apiece alongside two draws.

On paper, Spain's relentless control of possession and midfield dominance appear tailor-made to test an ageing Argentina side. Luis de la Fuente's men dismantled France in the semi-finals, dictating the tempo from the first whistle before cruising to a composed 2-0 victory.

Expect Spain to monopolise the ball once again, forcing Argentina into long spells without possession in the New Jersey heat.

But writing off Argentina on the biggest stage has rarely ended well. Lionel Scaloni's side have built their run to the final on resilience, late drama and an unshakable belief when the pressure reaches peak.

Even at 39, Lionel Messi continues to defy time. The Argentine captain rolled back the years against England in the semi-finals, producing two sublime assists in a 2-1 victory to once again underline his ability to decide the biggest occasions.

If Argentina can stay within touching distance deep into the contest, their clinical edge in the final third has the quality to expose even Spain's disciplined back line.

Prediction: Spain 1-2 Argentina

France vs England

[Hard Rock Stadium, Sunday, 12am]

There may be no trophy on the line, but pride alone should ensure fireworks when France and England lock horns in the third-place play-off.

Two of the pre-tournament favourites fell short of the final and will be eager to end their campaigns on a winning note.

This is one of international football's oldest rivalries. France and England have met 32 times since their first encounter in May 1923, with their most memorable recent meeting coming in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, where Les Bleus edged England 2-1.

France's attacking threat remains impossible to ignore despite their semi-final defeat. Didier Deschamps' side were stifled by Spain's midfield brilliance, drawing a blank for the first time in 20 matches, but a front line led by Kylian Mbappe (eight goals) and Ousmane Dembele (five goals) remains one of the most devastating in world football.

Their pace in transition could prove decisive against an England side that looked vulnerable after surrendering a 1-0 lead to Argentina in extra time.

Thomas Tuchel has come under heavy scrutiny for retreating too early with defensive substitutions, inviting unnecessary pressure at the worst possible moment. Should England slip into the same passive approach, France possess the attacking quality to punish them.

The Three Lions will once again look to Harry Kane's leadership and penalty-box instincts, while hoping their ability to capitalise on key moments can swing the balance.

Even so, France appear to have the greater firepower and more weapons in attacking transitions. Expect an open contest with chances at both ends, but Les Bleus look marginal favourites to leave Miami with third place.

Prediction: France 3-1 England