The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set: Argentina vs Spain, Sunday, July 19, 3pm ET, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina booked their place with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over England in Atlanta on July 15, Lionel Messi setting up both late goals; Spain got there first, beating France 2-0 in Arlington on July 14.

How They Got Here

Argentina have needed extra time or a late goal in three of their last four knockout matches -- beating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in the quarterfinals, then coming from behind against England with two goals in the final ten minutes of normal time and stoppage time. Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez have carried the scoring load, with Messi -- captain, all-time leading scorer at this World Cup, and by his own account playing his last tournament -- setting up the decisive moments rather than finishing them himself in the semifinal.

Spain have been the tournament's most complete side. Their knockout run reads: 1-0 over Portugal (eliminating Cristiano Ronaldo in his farewell World Cup), 2-1 over Belgium, and 2-0 over France, without needing extra time in any of the three. Rodri, Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz have controlled midfield in every knockout match, and 19-year-old Lamine Yamal has been directly involved in a string of Spain's biggest chances.

What's at Stake

A win for Argentina would give Messi a second World Cup to go with 2022 -- and, at 39 years old and having already said this is his last tournament, a final act to cap the greatest individual career in the sport. A win for Spain would be their second World Cup, adding to 2010, and would confirm the generation built around Rodri and this tournament's breakout star, Yamal, as a genuine international powerhouse.

Key Numbers

  • Spain have outscored opponents 5-2 across their three knockout matches and haven't needed extra time once.
  • Argentina have scored the winning or equalizing goal in the 92nd minute or later in two of their last three knockout matches.
  • Messi has been directly involved (goals plus assists) in seven of Argentina's knockout-stage goals this tournament.

Match Details

  • Fixture: Argentina vs Spain, Final -- MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, July 19, 2026, 3pm ET. See our match page.
  • Closing ceremony: 1:30pm ET, same venue, ahead of kickoff -- see our full guest list and details.
  • Also this week: France vs England, Third Place Play-off, Saturday, July 18, 5pm ET, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida.

For the full bracket and every verified result, see our match hub.

Sources & Further Reading