Ángel Di María: The Argentina winger at the World Cup 2026 Final

Few players carry a bigger-occasion aura than Ángel Di María. As Argentina defend their crown against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, the winger affectionately known as “El Fideo” brings a CV of decisive moments that few in world football can match.

The wide creator in Scaloni’s plan

Di María is a winger comfortable on either flank, though he is at his most dangerous drifting in from the right onto his cultured left foot. Under Lionel Scaloni he functions as much as a wide creator as an out-and-out flyer — stretching play, combining with Lionel Messi and arriving late into the box. Whether from the start or off the bench, he gives La Albiceleste width, guile and an extra source of goals.

Clubs, strengths and playing style

His career reads like a tour of Europe’s giants. After emerging at Rosario Central, he won the Champions League at Real Madrid, then played for Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Juventus and Benfica. His signature strengths are pace, close control and that left-footed delivery — inswinging crosses, clever through-balls and set-pieces. Above all, he owns the big stage: he scored in the 2021 Copa America final against Brazil and again in the 2022 World Cup final against France.

One thing to watch in the final

Watch Di María attack the channels and whip deliveries onto the heads of Argentina’s forwards. His finals pedigree makes him a genuine wildcard against Spain’s young full-backs, and expect Scaloni to lean on that experience to unsettle La Roja at key moments. For Indian fans tuning in, he is a masterclass in why tournament football rewards nerve — the man who so often saves his best for the biggest night.