Spain and Argentina will contest the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking the first time the reigning European and South American champions have met in a World Cup decider.
Match Details
The match kicks off at 3pm ET. In the United States, it will be broadcast on Fox and Telemundo, with streaming available on Fubo. Canadian viewers can watch on TSN, while BBC One will show the game in the UK and SBS in Australia.
Spain's Path to the Final
Spain are favorites after a dominant semi-final performance against France, keeping a sixth clean sheet in eight games. Luis De La Fuente's side controlled the midfield through Rodri, who was imperious against France. Spain took time to warm up in the tournament but have peaked at the right time, completely nullifying France in a way that will concern Argentina.
Argentina's Resilience
Argentina showed their fighting spirit by coming from behind to beat England in the semi-finals. Lionel Messi and his teammates aim to become the first team to successfully defend a men's World Cup title since Brazil in 1962. If they can seize control of the game as they did against England, they have a strong chance of going back-to-back. Thomas Tuchel's defensive changes handed Argentina the initiative, and Messi's side grasped the opportunity.
Key Player: Lionel Messi
At 39, Messi remains the greatest of all time, with eight goals in seven games. His influence extends beyond scoring, and Argentina need one more match-winning impact from him in New Jersey.
Player to Watch: Lamine Yamal
Spain's Lamine Yamal, Messi's heir apparent at club level, could be the difference-maker. The young forward has the potential to decide the outcome of the final.
What to Expect
The final promises to be a back-and-forth affair showcasing both teams' quality. Spain's solid defense and midfield control will test Argentina's resilience, while Messi's brilliance and Argentina's experience make them dangerous. The encounter is a fitting conclusion to a tournament that has seen Spain's steady rise and Argentina's dramatic comeback victories.
