Spain and Argentina will meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sunday at 3 p.m. Eastern time, with the winner claiming soccer’s most prestigious trophy.
Road to the 2026 World Cup Final
Spain’s path to the final included victories over three top-10 teams: a 1-0 win against No. 5 Portugal, a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat of No. 9 Belgium, and a 2-0 semifinal win over No. 3 France. The team has conceded just one goal in seven matches.
Argentina’s run featured four knockout-stage comebacks, with no lead at the 90-minute mark in any. Twice, they scored stoppage-time winners; twice, they advanced in extra time. Lionel Messi, 39, has 10 goals and four assists in the tournament.
Messi vs. Yamal: A Historic Matchup
Argentina’s captain and Spain’s 19-year-old phenom Lamine Yamal will face off for the first time in a competitive match. Both rose through Barcelona’s La Masia academy, with Yamal now wearing the No. 10 Messi once did.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called Messi “an irreplaceable player” and praised his leadership. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, when asked if this would be Messi’s final match, said, “He never stops surprising us.”
What to Watch For
A crowd of 80,000 is expected at MetLife Stadium, where secondary-market ticket prices exceeded $10,000. Weather forecasts predict clear skies and 80-degree temperatures at kickoff.
Argentina seeks to extend a dominant era that includes the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles, and the 2022 Finalissima. Spain aims to cap a rapid rise for its young squad.
