After feeling, enjoying, and even suffering, the 2026 World Cup has reached its final match, the great final. Argentina and Spain will conclude this edition of the tournament in an exciting duel that will determine the World Champion.
Although the match is scheduled to start at 16:00 (Argentina time), the action will begin a little earlier with the classic closing ceremony. Starting at 14:30, the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford (New Jersey) will witness musical performances from stars like Post Malone, Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and IShowSpeed. Additionally, shortly before the match begins, at 15:45, Jennifer Hudson will perform the National Anthem of the United States (The Star-Spangled Banner).
On another note, it is worth remembering that there will be a halftime show lasting between 20 and 25 minutes. It will feature Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber, who will be joined by Chris Martin, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and PS22 Chorus, along with characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
In Argentina, both the match and the closing ceremony and awards will be broadcast on television through the channels of Telefe, TyC Sports, TV Pública, and Dsports, as well as Disney+ Premium, DGO, and Paramount+ for streaming.
Argentina's Journey to the Final
Under the guidance of Lionel Scaloni, the national team started the World Cup with a perfect group stage performance: three victories (3-0 against Algeria, 2-0 against Austria, and 3-1 against Jordan) and first place in Group J with 9 out of 9 points. Despite this promising start, the team struggled in their subsequent knockout matches.
First, against Cape Verde they could only prevail in extra time, with a final score of 3-2. Then, that same score would be repeated against Egypt, but in a very different context: they started 2-0 down and made an epic comeback before the match went to extra time to advance to the quarterfinals.
Once among the last eight, despite starting ahead on the scoreboard, the Albiceleste was dominated by Switzerland for much of the game. However, the unexpected expulsion of Breel Embolo tilted the balance in their favor and, although they could not win in 90 minutes, they ultimately found victory in extra time.
Fortunately, this streak of irregular performances came to an end in the semifinals against the most significant rival so far: England. In a demonstration of commitment and sacrifice for everything this match meant, Argentina, playing much better than in their recent performances, defeated the British 2-1 with two late goals and reached the final of a World Cup for the second consecutive time.
Spain's Journey to the Final
The team led by Luis de la Fuente debuted in the 2026 World Cup with a result as surprising as it was concerning, a 0-0 against Cape Verde. Despite this unusual stumble, they reacted and achieved two key victories (4-0 against Saudi Arabia and 1-0 against Uruguay) to finish as leaders of Group H with 7 points. The momentum generated by these victories carried them through Austria in the Round of 16, with a convincing 3-0, however, things became complicated again in the quarterfinals.
First, although they were superior to Portugal, they only managed to impose themselves in the final minutes with a solitary goal from Mikel Merino, while in their next match against Belgium, the only match in which they conceded goals, they also dominated, although once again their qualification was decided at the last minute, thanks to Merino once more. It is worth noting that in both cases, the victory was largely due to an error or lack of concentration from the opponent.
Just like Argentina, all doubts surrounding "La Roja" were dispelled in the semifinals. In a match where they made the team that was initially the top favorite for the title look small, Spain completely neutralized France and won 2-0 to advance to the second World Cup final in their history, this time also without going to extra time in any match.
Head-to-Head Record
Argentines and Spaniards have faced each other on 14 occasions, with a record of 6 victories for the national team, 3 draws, and 6 wins for the Spaniards. Of those matches, only one occurred in a World Cup: a 2-1 victory for the South Americans in the first match of Group 2 in England 1966.
Despite this positive record for Argentina in the tournament, the last encounter between both teams ended in a resounding victory for Spain. In a friendly match preparing for Russia 2018, the team then led by Julen Lopetegui, playing at home in Atlético de Madrid's stadium, crushed 6-1 Jorge Sampaoli's side.
Lineups
Argentina (4-4-2):
