EAST RUTHERFORD, United States (AFP): Argentina and Spain are set to clash in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, bringing the first-ever 48-team World Cup to a dramatic conclusion.
Defending champions Argentina are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cup titles. The final is also expected to mark the last World Cup appearance of 39-year-old captain Lionel Messi, who has already cemented his place among football’s all-time greats.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi’s extraordinary legacy, calling him “a legend” and encouraging fans to cherish the opportunity to watch him lead the national team on football’s biggest stage.
Spain, meanwhile, are chasing their second FIFA World Cup title after lifting the trophy for the first time in 2010. The Spanish side has impressed throughout the tournament, conceding only one goal in seven matches and advancing to the final after defeating France in the semifinals.
Spain captain Rodri expects a physically demanding contest but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt to different styles of play.
Earlier, England secured third place with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France, their best World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966. Bukayo Saka starred with a hat-trick, while France captain Kylian Mbappé became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals, moving one ahead of Messi. Mbappé also leads the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot with 10 goals, two more than the Argentine captain.
The final will be played before an expected crowd of around 80,000 spectators, including US President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, representing the leaders of the three World Cup host nations.
Despite concerns over smoke from Canadian wildfires affecting air quality across parts of the eastern United States, conditions are expected to improve before kickoff, ensuring the global showpiece proceeds as planned.
Argentina and Spain Set for Blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
Defending champions Argentina are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cup titles. The final is also expected to mark the last World Cup appearance of 39-year-old captain Lionel Messi, who has already cemented his place among football’s all-time greats.
