World Cup Final 2026: Date and Kick-off Time
The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will take place on Sunday, 19 July 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST (3pm local time in New Jersey). This match brings the curtain down on the biggest tournament in football history, after over four weeks of action that saw 48 teams whittled down to two.
Venue: MetLife Stadium
The final will be held at MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets. Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the stadium is one of the largest sporting venues in North America, with a capacity of more than 80,000 spectators. FIFA has designated the venue as New York/New Jersey Stadium for the tournament to avoid sponsor names, though it sits just a few miles from New York City.
Contenders: Argentina vs Spain
Reigning champions Argentina are looking to retain their crown and become the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups. Spain, European champions, have reached just their second World Cup final, having won their first in 2010. Argentina have reached their third final in four tournaments. Other pre-tournament favourites include five-time winners Brazil, France, and England, though the expanded 48-team format could allow surprise packages to challenge for football's greatest prize.
Tournament Context
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, concludes on 19 July 2026. After more than a month of competition across three host nations, one nation will be crowned world champions. The match will be played at MetLife Stadium, with a capacity exceeding 80,000, ensuring a massive audience for the final.
