Spain and Argentina meet in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with kick-off set for 3pm EST/8pm BST/5am AEST. This is the first World Cup final between the reigning European and South American champions, and Argentina aim to become the first team to retain the men's World Cup since Brazil in 1962.
Team News and Starting Lineups
Spain name an unchanged side from their semi-final win over France. Argentina make three changes, bringing in Rodrigo De Paul, Nico Gonzalez, and Gonzalo Montiel for Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes, and Nahuel Molina.
Spain (4-2-3-1): Simon; Porro, Cubaris, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal. Subs: Raya, Pubill, Grimaldo, E Garcia, Llorente, Merino, Torres, Gavi, Pino, J Garcia, Williams, Zubimendi, Pedri, Munoz, Iglesias.
Argentina (possible 4-1-3-2): E Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Enzo; De Paul, Mac Allister, Gonzalez; Messi, Alvarez. Subs: Musso, Senesi, Molina, Barco, Lo Celso, Rulli, Palacios, Paredes, Almada, Simeone, Paz, Otamendi, Lopez, Lautaro Martinez, Medina.
Referee: Slavko Vincic (Slovenia).
Pre-Match Build-Up and Ceremonies
The closing ceremony, featuring Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and streamer IShowSpeed, was delayed due to security checks related to President Donald Trump's attendance. Trump arrived via Marine One helicopter before the match. There are also reports of growing queues outside the stadium due to a ticketing system glitch.
According to Sky Sports News' Rob Harris, the closing ceremony was due to start 90 minutes before kick-off but had not begun on time. The presence of the Secret Service at entrances contributed to delays.
Route to the Final
Spain's path: Group H (Cape Verde 0-0, Saudi Arabia 4-0, Uruguay 1-0), Last 32 (Austria 3-0), Last 16 (Portugal 1-0), Quarter-final (Belgium 2-1), Semi-final (France 2-0).
Argentina's path: Group J (Algeria 3-0, Austria 2-0, Jordan 3-1), Last 32 (Cape Verde 3-2 AET), Last 16 (Egypt 3-2), Quarter-final (Switzerland 3-1 AET), Semi-final (England 2-1).
Key Storylines
Lionel Messi, now 39, leads Argentina in his likely final World Cup match. He has scored eight goals and provided four assists in the tournament. Spain's Lamine Yamal, who was famously bathed by Messi in a 2007 photo, faces his childhood idol in the final. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said he will not man-mark Messi, recalling a 2004 under-19 match where Messi scored four goals after being unmarked.
Spain have averaged 64% possession in the tournament and are unbeaten in 37 games. Argentina have won 14 consecutive matches and 31 of their last 37.
Expert Analysis
Emma Hayes, in a preview for the Guardian, described Spain as "masters of time and space" whose dominance comes from deep-rooted principles. Jonathan Wilson noted that Spain's patient style contrasts sharply with England's approach, and that shackling Rodri could be key for Argentina.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed concern about Spain, saying: "If Spain leaves the hotel, I am already concerned. Once they are on the bus and they leave the hotel, I am concerned. They are a great team. Everything concerns me about Spain."
Fan Atmosphere
In Buenos Aires, thousands of fans gathered at the Obelisco despite rain, waving flags and blowing vuvuzelas. María de las Nieves López, a Paraguayan pizzeria owner who traveled from Ezeiza, said: "It's Leo's last one. We wanted to come and cheer him on. We'll watch the game on our phones if we have to." She carried a 20-year-old doll she credits with bringing good luck, promising to buy it a new dress if Argentina wins.
Golden Boot and Statistics
Kylian Mbappé leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals, two ahead of Messi. Spain have conceded only two goals in the tournament, while Argentina have scored 15.
This is Argentina's seventh World Cup final and their sixth in the last 13 tournaments. Spain have appeared in only one previous final, winning 1-0 against the Netherlands in 2010.
