Rabat – The eyes of the sporting world turn to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, today as defending champions Argentina take on a disciplined, possession-based Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with football’s biggest prize on the line.
Defending champions Argentina have ridden an emotional rollercoaster to the final, showing incredible resilience through high-pressure knockout matches. Lionel Messi’s squad repeatedly pulled off late-stage rescues, leaning into tactical grit and survival instincts to outlast teams like England and France.
Spain, meanwhile, has advanced through sheer, unyielding structural control. The European champions dominated possession across the knockout rounds, handling Austria, Portugal, and Belgium before shutting out France 2–0 in the semifinals.
Match details:
- Fixture: Argentina vs Spain
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Final
- Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ (MetLife Stadium)
- Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
- Kick-off: 8:00 p.m. Morocco time (WET) / 3:00 p.m. Local time (EDT) / 7:00 p.m. GMT
How to watch
MENA: beIN Sports / TOD
USA: Fox Sports / Telemundo
Spain: RTVE / DAZN
Argentina: Telefe / TV Pública / TyC Sports
UK: BBC / ITV
Argentina team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Argentina boasts a fully fit squad with no major defensive absentees or active suspensions. Lionel Messi is prepared to spearhead the frontline in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup match.
Team Form: Boasting the most lethal frontline in the competition, Argentina has notched a tournament-high 19 goals. They have lined up primarily to trap opponents in a disciplined mid-block, breaking rapidly once they secure the ball.
Key Players: Lionel Messi remains the focal point, pulling the strings in the half-spaces to dictate counter-attacking options. Midfield anchors Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernández will be crucial in closing down central passing lanes to limit Spain’s interior control.
Likely XI: E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez, González.
Spain team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Luis de la Fuente has his preferred squad layout fully intact. There are no fresh injury or suspension concerns ahead of tonight’s final.
Team Form: Spain arrives carrying a staggering 37-game unbeaten run across all competitions. Their defensive record has been nearly flawless during this World Cup stretch, conceding only one goal across their entire tournament campaign.
Key Players: Midfield orchestrator Rodri will look to dictate the tempo and shut down central transition phases. Out wide, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal will provide the crucial pace needed to stretch Argentina’s backline.
Likely XI: Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz, Olmo; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
What to expect
This is an absolute clash between the tournament’s most explosive attack (Argentina) and its finest defense (Spain). Expect Spain to claim the lion’s share of possession early, passing meticulously through Rodri and Dani Olmo to probe for gaps.
Argentina will be perfectly content to sit back, compact their shape, and wait for the precise moment to spark quick counter-attacks through advanced fullbacks, looking to slip Messi into pockets of space.
Prediction: Spain 1-1 Argentina (Argentina to win on penalties).
