Spain and Argentina will face off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, capping the largest tournament in history with 48 nations and over six million fans across three host countries, including the U.S.
Historic showdown for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Argentina, the defending champion, seeks to become the first team since Brazil (1958, 1962) to win back-to-back World Cups. Spain, slightly favored, aims for its second title after its 2010 victory. The two last met in the 1966 group stage, with Argentina winning 2-1.
Argentina has reached seven finals, winning three, while Spain has appeared in two, winning once. Despite Spain’s edge—boosted by a record defense allowing just one goal in seven matches—Argentina has delivered dramatic comebacks, led by star Lionel Messi.
Pre-match ceremony and high-profile attendees
A pre-match closing ceremony at 1:30 p.m. ET features Post Malone, Robbie Williams, and Jennifer Hudson performing the national anthem. Tom Cruise will appear, while Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS headline the 11-minute halftime show.
President Trump, Spain’s Royal Family, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum will attend. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul assured security measures are robust after over a year of preparation, including 1,000 coordinated exercises. "The entire planet is going to be watching," she said.
