New York, July 19, 2026: Argentina and Spain will clash in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as the first-ever 48-team World Cup reaches its climax.
Defending champions Argentina are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup title, while Spain are seeking their second world crown after winning the tournament for the first time in 2010.
All eyes will be on Argentina captain Lionel Messi, whose appearance is widely expected to be his final match at a FIFA World Cup. The 39-year-old football icon will lead Argentina in pursuit of a fourth world title after inspiring the South Americans to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged fans to cherish the opportunity to watch Messi on the biggest stage.
“He has made history. He is a legend,” Scaloni said of the Argentine captain.
Argentina have displayed remarkable resilience throughout the tournament, producing dramatic comebacks against Egypt in the Round of 16 and England in the semi-finals to secure their place in the final.
Spain, meanwhile, have enjoyed a dominant campaign, conceding only one goal in seven matches before defeating France in the semi-finals. Captain Rodri said his team was prepared for a physical contest against the defending champions while remaining focused on their trademark possession-based football.
The Spanish side will also look to 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, regarded as one of football’s brightest young talents, although their success has largely been built on collective performances rather than individual brilliance.
The final is expected to be played under clear skies after concerns that smoke from Canadian wildfires could affect conditions in New Jersey eased on Sunday morning.
Among the estimated 80,000 spectators at MetLife Stadium will be US President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, marking the presence of the leaders of all three host nations. The event will also feature a star-studded entertainment programme, including performances by Tom Cruise, Madonna and Shakira.
Earlier, England defeated France 6-4 in a high-scoring third-place playoff to secure their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966.
France captain Kylian Mbappé became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 22 World Cup goals, one ahead of Messi. Mbappé also leads the race for the Golden Boot with 10 goals in the 2026 tournament, two more than the Argentine captain heading into the final.
