EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The 2026 World Cup reaches its crescendo on Sunday as Argentina meet Spain at MetLife Stadium in what promises to be a fitting finale to the biggest tournament in the competition's history.
Lionel Messi, at 39, leads Argentina into his second consecutive World Cup final, seeking a fourth title for La Albiceleste and a second successive crown after their triumph in Qatar four years ago. Standing in their way is a vibrant Spain side powered by 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, aiming to deliver the country's second men's World Cup title — and make Spain the first nation ever to hold both the men's and women's World Cups simultaneously.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni made three changes from the side that beat England in the semifinal. Rodrigo De Paul, Nico Gonzalez and Gonzalo Montiel came into the starting XI, with Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Giuliano Simeone dropping out. Spain, by contrast, named an unchanged lineup from their semifinal victory over France.
The match is the 104th of a historic 48-team tournament co-hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico — the first World Cup staged in three nations. With 307 goals already scored, this edition has produced the most goals of any World Cup in history, and Sunday's final needs just two more to set the highest average per game since the 1954 tournament.
The occasion extends beyond the pitch. FIFA has introduced a halftime show for the first time, featuring Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS as headliners. Post Malone performed during the closing ceremony prior to kickoff. US President Donald Trump is expected to attend and take part in the trophy presentation.
Slovenia's Slavko Vinčić is the referee, with Argentina wearing their iconic light blue and white stripes and Spain in red with navy sleeves.
Sources
- https://apnews.com/article/argentina-spain-world-cup-final-score-messi-fccc26aa12d9226e63d06b601b770617
- https://apnews.com/article/trump-world-cup-final-ad67ea3f25163bbb1d779d17b04da115
