Spain faces Argentina in 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium

Spain and Argentina will compete for the FIFA World Cup title on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina, the defending champions from 2022, seeks to become only the third nation to win consecutive World Cups, following Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962). Spain aims for its second World Cup title, having previously won in 2010.

The match represents a historic first: a World Cup final between the reigning European and South American champions. Spain arrives unbeaten in 37 matches (28 wins, 9 draws), matching Italy's record for the longest European unbeaten streak. Argentina has won seven consecutive World Cup matches, the second-longest such run in tournament history. Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semifinals, while Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1.

The final features two distinct generational narratives. Lionel Messi, 39, will become the oldest field player ever to appear in a World Cup final, surpassing Sweden's Gunnar Gren (37 in 1958). If Argentina wins, Messi would become the first captain to lift the World Cup trophy twice and could join Brazil's Cafu as only the second player to appear in three World Cup finals—though Messi would be the first to start all three. Spain's lineup includes teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, both 19; no team with more than one teenager has ever won the World Cup. If Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente, 65, wins, he would become the oldest World Cup-winning manager, surpassing Vicente del Bosque (59 in 2010).

Historical patterns suggest an attacking contest. In 22 previous men's World Cup finals, winning teams averaged 2.6 goals and losing teams 1.1. The two most recent finals combined for 12 goals. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni made three tactical changes for the final: Rodrigo De Paul replaces Leandro Paredes in midfield, Gonzalo Montiel replaces Nahuel Molina at right-back, and Nico González replaces Giuliano Simeone in attack. Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente kept his lineup unchanged from the France semifinal. The match will be refereed by Slavko Vincić of Slovenia. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. BST). A 11-minute halftime show will feature Post Malone, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, and other performers, with Jennifer Hudson performing the U.S. national anthem beforehand. Security has been stepped up for the event.