‘I’m confident we’ll win’: Nadal backs Spain to beat Argentina in final

Rafael Nadal has thrown his support behind Spain ahead of their blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 final clash against Argentina tonight [1am, Monday, Bangladesh time] , admitting he believes La Roja have what it takes to lift the trophy.

The tennis legend, who retired from professional tennis in 2024 after a glittering career that saw him win 22 Grand Slam titles, remains deeply passionate about football and will be watching from home as two footballing giants battle for global glory.

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“I’m confident we’re going to win,” Nadal said while discussing the highly anticipated final, though he acknowledged the quality and danger posed by the reigning champions Argentina.

The former world No. 1 shared an emotional message on social media, recalling Spain’s historic triumph at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

“Football has been one of my greatest passions ever since I was a kid,” Nadal wrote in Spanish. “I’ve always enjoyed playing the game, watching matches and cheering on our national team.

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I have a very good relationship with Leo (Scaloni). I know him personally, and the way he communicates is phenomenal. What he has done with the national team is incredibly impressive. I also have many Argentine friends.

Rafael Nadal

“I still remember the incredible feeling of being in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup final. We’ll never forget it! Tomorrow we’ll have another chance to enjoy one of those historic matches against an Argentina team, and a country, I deeply respect and admire.

“Best of luck to the team. Vamos, Espana!”

Nadal’s connection with football runs deep. His uncle, Miguel Angel Nadal, represented Spain at three World Cups and enjoyed a successful club career with FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca.

Speaking to Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE, the Mallorcan revealed he would watch the final alongside his family and predicted a tightly contested encounter between two of the tournament’s strongest sides.

“Argentina will play to their strengths,” Nadal said. “We saw that in the semi-final against England. The first half was not very attractive, but after England scored, Argentina started showing the brilliant football they are capable of playing.”

However, Nadal insisted Spain must focus on their own strengths rather than worrying about their opponents.

“I think it’s a match where each team will use its own strengths. We have ours, and they are considerable,” he said.

“We have to forget about what the others are doing and play at the level we have been playing throughout the World Cup. If we manage to maintain that level, it will be very difficult for them.”

The Spanish sporting icon also praised the progress of Luis de la Fuente’s side, saying the team had improved steadily throughout the tournament and reached the final at their peak.

“The evolution of the team from day one until today has been constant growth,” Nadal said. “I think they are arriving at the best moment against a team that has just been crowned world champions, with everything that means.”

Despite his confidence in Spain, Nadal showed huge respect for Argentina, Lionel Scaloni and their achievements in recent years.

The 92-time tour-level titlist praised Scaloni’s leadership and revealed he shares a close relationship with the Argentine coach.

“I have a very good relationship with Leo (Scaloni). I know him personally, and the way he communicates is phenomenal,” Nadal said.

“What he has done with the national team is incredibly impressive. I also have many Argentine friends.”

Nadal admitted that while his heart would be with Spain, he would have no bitterness if Argentina claimed victory.

“Obviously, I’m going to support Spain with everything I have,” he said. “But if I lose a final, losing it to Argentina, with all the friends and acquaintances I have there, it would be easier to accept.

“If there is anyone I want to lose to, let it be them and their coach.”

With two football powerhouses preparing for a historic showdown, Nadal’s message reflects the respect between the nations — but his prediction is clear: he believes Spain can end the night as world champions.