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The 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its climax on Sunday, July 19, as Spain face defending champions Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium. The encounter brings together the current European and South American champions in what promises to be one of the tournament’s biggest matches.
Match details
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET (1900 GMT/10:00 p.m. EAT) at East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Argentina enters the final as the world’s top-ranked team, with Spain ranked second by FIFA. Sunday’s fixture will be the 104th and final match of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, which began on June 11 and has been hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Journey to the final
Spain remains unbeaten after recording six victories and one draw. The European champions have scored 13 goals while conceding only once. Their campaign included a goalless draw with Cabo Verde before victories over Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France.
Argentina has won all seven of its matches, scoring 19 goals and conceding seven. The South Americans advanced from the group stage with wins over Algeria, Austria and Jordan before overcoming Cabo Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England in the knockout rounds.
Players in the spotlight
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been central to his side’s campaign, contributing directly to 12 of the team’s 19 goals. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez has also played a decisive role, scoring important late goals during the tournament.
For Spain, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal continues to impress despite scoring only once so far. Midfield anchor Rodri has provided stability, while striker Mikel Oyarzabal heads into the final with five goals. Goalkeeper Unai Simon also enjoyed a record-breaking run of 650 consecutive World Cup minutes without conceding before Belgium ended the streak in the quarterfinals.
Individual honours and prize money
Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappe lead the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals each, although Messi holds the advantage on assists. Oyarzabal and Ousmane Dembele remain outside contenders.
Messi is also the frontrunner for the Golden Ball award, which would make him the first player to win the honour three times.
FIFA has allocated a total prize fund of 871 million dollars for the tournament. The champions will receive 50 million dollars, while the runners-up will earn 33 million dollars.
Head-to-head history
Spain and Argentina have faced each other 14 times, with both sides winning six matches and drawing two. Their only previous World Cup meeting came in 1966, when Argentina secured a 2-1 victory.
The two nations were also scheduled to meet in the Finalissima earlier this year, but the match was cancelled.
An old photograph showing Messi holding a baby Lamine Yamal during a charity event has resurfaced ahead of the final, attracting widespread attention online.
Argentina is chasing history as it seeks to become only the third nation to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title after Italy and Brazil.
Final preparations
Organisers are monitoring air quality in the New York area following wildfire smoke from Canada, although weather forecasts suggest conditions should improve before kickoff.
Tickets for the final have sold out through official outlets, with resale prices reaching tens of thousands of dollars for premium seats. Security agencies have also put in place an extensive operation involving local, state and federal authorities to ensure the event runs smoothly.
