It’s a World Cup final script straight out of Hollywood.
The 2026 final will be contested between reigning world and South American champions Argentina and European champions Spain.
Argentina is led by the ever-present Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old forward who is still dominating games despite heavily walking. La Albiceleste would not have made it this far in their repeat bid without him, as Messi leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists.
Spain is anchored by 19-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, who is overcoming hamstring issues but is still playing a central role to his team’s success. La Furia Roja are a nightmare for any side due to their unique fusion of technical brilliance and physicality. Even a star-studded France failed to deal any damage.
Of course, there’s also the fact that Messi once bathed Yamal as a baby in 2007. Both are star left-footed playmakers who play on the right flank, Barcelona products and the key forces behind their respective nations.
Either Messi goes back to back for another iconic sporting achievement or the torch is truly passed to Yamal, soccer’s next big prospect.
Here’s everything to know for the blockbuster World Cup final clash:
When is the World Cup final?
Argentina and Spain will meet on Sunday, July 19.
What time and where is the World Cup final?
Kickoff time from New York/New Jersey Stadium is set for 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.
Where to watch the World Cup final on TV, online
Fox will broadcast the final in English, with streaming available on FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports mobile app. Telemundo will carry the final in Spanish, with streaming available on Peacock.
Key players to watch in Argentina-Spain World Cup final
For Argentina, the heartbeat of the team is Messi. In Lionel Scaloni’s 4-4-2 setup, Messi operates as the right-sided forward so he cut inside on his stronger left foot. He oftentimes will drift to the right wing, too, to act as a playmaking hub for crosses into the box. It’s how Argentina pulled off comebacks vs. Egypt and England.
The four-man midfield will also be important for Scaloni to get right. It didn’t work well against Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland, with all games being too close for comfort. Scaloni made a change vs. England to have youngster Giuliano Simeone on the right flank, a true winger who supplied fresh energy. But the left side needed better balance, as Alexis Mac Allister isn’t a width holder. That’ll be something to consider.
For Spain, the offense typically runs through Yamal on the right flank in Luis de la Fuente’s hybrid 4-2-3-1 shape. He’s gotten crucial goalscoring help from Mikel Oyarzabal up top, who has five goals this summer. Star left winger Nico Williams has battled knocks throughout the tournament, but may have a say off the bench.
The real heartbeat of La Furia Roja has been in midfield, though. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, has returned to peak form following an ACL tear has been running games almost by himself at times. Fabian Ruiz has come in for Pedri in the double pivot to provide better balance alongside the Manchester City star. Super sub Mikel Merino scored two late winners vs. Portugal and Belgium with box-crashing runs. If Spain is to overcome Messi and Co., winning the midfield battle will be vital.
Lionel Messi has scored eight goals and added two assists at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite spending nearly two-thirds of his time on the field walking.
Statistics to know for Argentina-Spain World Cup final
1 – Spain have conceded just once throughout this World Cup, which includes games vs. Uruguay, Austria, Portugal, Belgium (the goalscorer) and France. Rodri, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi and Unai Simon have all been vital.
8 – Messi leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists, which could change if Kylian Mbappe plays and adds to his tally in Saturday’s third-place game.
6-2-6 – Both teams have six wins, two draws and six losses against one another. The most recent matchup was a friendly in 2018, which Spain won 6-1. The only previous World Cup battle was in 1966, which Argentina won 2-1.
1 and 2 – FIFA’s updated rankings has Argentina No. 1 and Spain No. 2. The nations also held those spots before the tournament started, making this the first World Cup match to feature the top two ranked teams since they were introduced in 1992.
How many World Cups do Argentina and Spain have?
Argentina has three World Cups in its history. The first came in 1978 on home soil before winning two in three with another win in 1986. The most recent success came in 2022, so La Albiceleste is looking to become the first repeat winner in 64 years.
Spain has just one final appearance and one win, which came in 2010. This is the nation’s second World Cup final berth.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first with 48 teams, but FIFA is already considering expanding to 64.
