Spain vs Argentina: Everything you need to know about the 2026 World Cup final
New Jersey, 20 July 2026 - Defending champions Argentina and a formidable Spanish side will meet on Sunday in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, in a contest that promises to rank among the greatest occasions in the history of football.
The tournament's best attack against its best defence
Finals rarely offer tactical contrasts as stark as this one. Argentina have scored 19 goals throughout the tournament, making them the competition's most prolific attack, while Spain have conceded just one goal across all stages, boasting the tightest defence in the competition. The match promises to be a genuine test of two opposing footballing philosophies.
A clash of generations: Yamal against Messi
The final carries an extraordinary sentimental dimension as well. Lamine Yamal, 19, the Spanish star who grew up idolising Lionel Messi, will face his childhood hero on Sunday. Messi, 39, may be playing what turns out to be the final match of his career at the global level. Rarely has a generational rivalry found such a dramatic stage on a football pitch.
A first in 60 years
The final also marks a historic milestone: for the first time in 60 years, the champions of South America and the champions of Europe will meet in a World Cup final. The last intercontinental final of this kind took place in 1966.
The venue: key facts
- Stadium: MetLife Stadium, renamed New York-New Jersey Stadium for the World Cup
- Capacity: 82,500 spectators for football matches
- Built: in 2010, home to two NFL franchises, the New York Giants and the New York Jets
- Recent history: also hosted the final and two semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Opta's computer prediction
According to the Opta supercomputer, Spain have a 59.46 per cent chance of lifting the title, while Argentina have a 40.54 per cent chance of retaining the trophy they won at Qatar 2022.
The final kicks off on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
