Argentina to Face Spain in World Cup Final

July 19, 2026

Credit: Sports Illustrated

Argentina will take on Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as the expanded 48-team tournament reaches its climax.

Argentina are chasing a second consecutive World Cup title, aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy. Spain, meanwhile, are seeking their second world title after winning the tournament for the first time in 2010.

The final is widely expected to be Messi’s last appearance at a World Cup. The 39-year-old captain, who guided Argentina to the 2022 title in Qatar, has once again inspired his side with decisive performances throughout the competition.

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A shirt, worn by soccer player Lionel Messi in a match for Argentina against Saudi Arabia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is display at Sotheby’s, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in New York. Six jerseys worn by Messi during Argentina’s winning run at last year’s World Cup have sold for $7.8 million. The auction house Sotheby’s final price for the shirts is the highest price for an item of sports memorabilia this year, Sotheby’s said, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.

Argentina have displayed remarkable resilience during the tournament, fighting back from two goals down to eliminate Egypt in the round of 16 before staging another dramatic late comeback against England in the semi-finals.

Spain have impressed with a disciplined campaign, conceding just one goal in seven matches and comfortably defeating France to book their place in the final. Captain Rodri said his side is prepared for a physically demanding contest against the South Americans.

England claimed third place on Saturday after defeating France 6-4 in a thrilling playoff. France striker Kylian Mbappe became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 22 World Cup goals, moving one ahead of Messi. Mbappe also leads the race for the Golden Boot with 10 goals, while Messi has scored eight.

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The final will also attract several world leaders and celebrities. US President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are expected to attend the match alongside more than 80,000 fans.

Entertainment will include a pre-match ceremony featuring Tom Cruise and a historic World Cup halftime show headlined by Madonna and Shakira. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the tournament as one that had exceeded expectations, while Trump hailed it as one of the most successful sporting events ever staged.

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