Argentina and Spain will meet in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with kickoff set for 3pm ET. Reigning champions Argentina, still led by Lionel Messi, are chasing back-to-back titles, while Spain arrive unbeaten and have not trailed for a single minute across the tournament.
Spain reached the final by beating France 2-0 in the semifinal, extending a run that has seen Luis de la Fuente's side dominate opponents with a structurally disciplined, possession-heavy style built around Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Fabian Ruiz. Argentina advanced with a dramatic 2-1 win over England, with Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scoring late to seal the semifinal.
Messi's Last Dance
At 39, this is expected to be Messi's final World Cup appearance, and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is set to line up in a 4-3-3 with Messi central alongside Julian Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone. A win would make Argentina back-to-back champions for the first time since Brazil in 1962.
The Odds Favor Spain
Opta's supercomputer gives Spain a 45 percent chance of winning in 90 minutes, against 26 percent for Argentina, with Spain holding roughly a 60 percent overall chance of lifting the trophy. Spain are seeking their second World Cup title after their 2010 triumph.
