This is it. 103 matches down, one to go. It’s Spain versus Argentina in the biggest game on the planet, the World Cup final!
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2026 World Cup Final Preview
Spain and Argentina will battle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, in a historic final that sees the reigning European champions face the current Copa América holders for the first time on football’s biggest stage.
Few teams have looked as complete as Spain throughout the tournament. Luis de la Fuente’s side have conceded just a single goal in seven matches and have yet to fall behind, becoming the first nation to keep six clean sheets at a single World Cup. Their 2-0 semi-final victory over France was another polished display, highlighting the defensive discipline and attacking efficiency that have defined their campaign.
Their tournament did not begin in convincing fashion, however. A frustrating goalless draw with Cape Verde in the opening round cast early doubt over their chances, but Spain have since reeled off six straight victories. A daunting knockout route featuring Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France has only strengthened their credentials, and they now arrive in the final unbeaten in 37 matches in regulation time (W27, D10). Another win would set a new European record for the longest unbeaten run and hand Spain a sixth major international trophy from their last seven finals.
Argentina’s journey has been far more dramatic. Lionel Scaloni’s side booked their place in a seventh World Cup final by overturning a 1-0 deficit to beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final. Only Germany, with eight appearances, have contested more men’s World Cup finals.
The holders have repeatedly shown their ability to deliver under pressure. Every knockout victory has either required extra time or a comeback after the 75th minute, underlining the resilience that has become a trademark of this Argentina team. They now carry a 14-match winning streak into the final, matching the longest ever recorded by a South American nation.
Victory would see Argentina become only the second team in history to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup, although recent history offers a warning. Each of the last three reigning champions to reach the World Cup final has fallen at the final hurdle, setting up an intriguing clash against an unbeaten Spain side chasing history of their own.
A Final that is more than Yamal vs Messi
At opposite ends of their careers, 39-year-old Lionel Messi will come up against 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, the player many believe could one day follow in his footsteps at Barcelona.
The pair will meet on the pitch for the first time, but they share a remarkable piece of history. Back in December 2007, Messi took part in a charity calendar photoshoot where he famously helped bathe a five-month-old Yamal – an image that has since become one of football’s most iconic full-circle moments.
While Lamine Yamal provides the moments of brilliance in the final third, Rodri remains the player who makes Spain tick. The Manchester City midfielder is the heartbeat of Luis de la Fuente’s side, dictating the tempo from deep and offering the calmness and control that allows Spain to build attacks with patience and precision. His ability to evade pressure has been unmatched at this World Cup, with FIFA statistics showing he has completed an average of 47 passes under pressure per game – more than any other player at the tournament.
Rodri’s influence extends far beyond his composure in possession. Without the ball, the Manchester City midfielder is relentless, using his anticipation to snuff out danger, dominate second balls and overpower opponents in midfield duels. His defensive impact is felt across every area of the pitch, but he is especially vital to Spain’s aggressive counter-press. FIFA’s data shows Rodri averages two successful tackles in the final third per game – the highest figure of any player to reach the quarter-finals – underlining his importance in winning the ball back quickly and keeping opponents pinned in their own half.
For Argentina, the contributions of the supporting cast have been significant, but once again the spotlight belongs firmly to Lionel Messi.
The 39-year-old remains the driving force behind Argentina’s attacking output, sitting joint-top of the Golden Boot standings with eight goals alongside Kylian Mbappé. Messi has directly contributed to 12 of Argentina’s 19 goals at the tournament, underlining his role as both their creative hub and their biggest attacking threat. His numbers tell the story, with no player averaging more shots or chances created per 90 minutes.
At times, Messi’s relaxed approach can give the impression of a player conserving energy, with long spells spent drifting through games rather than constantly demanding possession. To the casual observer, it may look like the limitations of age are catching up with him – but that is where his genius lies. The Argentina captain continues to produce decisive moments exactly when his team need them most.
His semi-final display against England was the perfect example. Messi completed 10 successful take-ons, more than any player in any of the tournament’s previous 101 matches, showcasing that his close control, balance and ability to glide away from challenges remain as devastating as ever. Even at 39, his extraordinary strength, awareness and ability to beat opponents in tight spaces continue to separate him from the rest.
World Cup Final Team News & Predicted Lineups
Neither side has reported any major injury concerns in the build-up to the final. For Spain, it’s hard to imagine too much change, if any, after such a complete semi-final display.
As for the defending champions, Lautaro Martínez has become Argentina’s ultimate impact substitute during this tournament, directly contributing to a goal after coming off the bench in each of his last three appearances. His influence as a replacement has been nothing short of remarkable, with the Inter Milan forward also scoring the winning goal in the 2024 Copa América final against Colombia.
Should he register another goal or assist as a substitute in the World Cup final, Martínez would create history as the first player ever to score or provide an assist in four consecutive substitute appearances at the tournament. Despite his winner against England, he may have to settle for a place on the bench with the hardworking Jilian Alvarez expected to start up front.
Spain predicted XI: Unai Simon; Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Pedro Porro; Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Dani Olmo; Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal
Argentina predicted XI: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Giuliano Simeone; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez
Who will win the World Cup Final?
Having come through the greatest of adversity time and time again during the knockout stages, it almost feels as if Argentina’s name is again on the trophy as Lionel Messi’s bids to emulate the great Diego Maradona by claiming a second World Cup trophy for ‘La Albiceleste’.
The champions displayed both sides of their game in the semi-final against England. The first-half was all about the South Americans’ ability to turn to the dark arts, to turn the game into a fight, therefore limiting their opponents’ opportunities to hurt them with the ball and their extra running power.
However, once they fell behind, Argentina showed their attacking qualities, laying siege to the English penalty area with Lionel Messi providing assists for the two match-winning moments. The South Americans have been so well supported at these finals, and there’s no doubt that ferocious backing played a part in the capitulation of Egypt and England. When they get their tails up, Argentina are an almighty force.
The passion of the fans is one thing, but you only had to look into the eyes of the Argentinian players during the anthems against England for an insight into what defending this title means; they are playing for more than themselves, their families and an entire nation, but also for Messi’s legacy.
Verdict: Argentina to lift the cup (5/4)
FIFA World Cup Final 2026 FAQ’s
When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final takes place on Sunday, June 19.
What time is kick-off in the World Cup Final?
The match will kick off at 20:00 (UK/Ireland) and at 15:00 local time (ET).
Where is the World Cup Final being played?
The 2026 World Cup final will be staged at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, the stadium has a capacity of more than 82,000 and was selected as the venue for the tournament finale as part of the United States, Canada and Mexico-hosted World Cup.
Despite being known globally as a New York venue, the stadium itself is located across the Hudson River in New Jersey.
What TV channel is showing the World Cup Final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be available to watch live in Ireland on RTE 2/RTE Player. In the UK, viewers have the choice between live coverage on BBC One and ITV 1, with the game being streamed live on both the iPlayer and ITVX.
Who is performing at the World Cup Final half-time show?
BTS, along with Shakira, Justin Bieber and Madonna will perform at the first FIFA World Cup Final halftime show. The final will also include a special closing ceremony before the trophy presentation.
Is Donald Trump going to the World Cup Final?
FIFA has confirmed that US President Donald Trump will attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
Who are the favourites to win the World Cup?
BAR 1 Betting makes Spain favourites to win the final.
World Cup Final Odds: Spain 5/4, Argentina 47/20, the draw 2/1
