The 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its conclusion today on Sunday, with defending champions Argentina taking on Spain in a highly anticipated final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, at 10:00 pm EAT.
The South Americans are chasing history as the first team to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1962.
Spain, champions in 2010, are aiming to claim a second title and spoil what is expected to be Lionel Messi’s farewell appearance on football’s biggest stage, with two World Cups and a confirmation of GOAT – greatest of all time – against Cristiano Ronaldo, who hasn’t won any.
Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni urged supporters to appreciate the opportunity to witness Messi play what could be his final World Cup match at 39.
“He has made history. He is a legend,” Scaloni said, praising the former Barcelona star who captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar.
Argentina have built their title defence on resilience, producing dramatic comeback victories throughout the tournament.
The South Americans overturned a two-goal deficit late in their round-of-16 clash against Egypt before staging another remarkable recovery in the closing moments of their semi-final against England to book their place in the final.
Spain, by contrast, have been clinical and composed, conceding just one goal across seven matches while eliminating France in the semifinals. Captain Rodri anticipated a demanding, physical contest against Argentina but expressed confidence in his team’s adaptability.
“It will be a more physical one, and we must be prepared,” the midfielder said. “But if we are known for something in this national team, it is that we know how to play different games based on the moment.”
Bronze for England
On Saturday, England secured third place with a 6-4 victory over France in a free-scoring affair. Kylian Mbappé became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals, one ahead of Messi—who has the chance to reclaim the record on Sunday. Mbappé leads the 2026 Golden Boot race with 10 goals. Messi has 8 goals.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires shrouds east coast
Preparations for the final have unfolded under hazy skies as smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires drifted across parts of the northeastern United States.
Air quality deteriorated across several major cities, including New York, Washington and parts of the Midwest, prompting health officials to advise vulnerable residents to limit outdoor activities. At one stage, New York recorded some of the poorest air quality levels globally, although forecasts indicated conditions were expected to improve before kickoff.
World leaders and entertainment stars expected
The final is expected to attract approximately 80,000 spectators, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who is attending his first match of the tournament.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are also expected at the stadium, bringing together the leaders of the three nations that jointly hosted the 2026 World Cup.
The event will also feature a high-profile entertainment programme, with actor Tom Cruise scheduled to appear during the pre-match closing ceremony, while music stars Madonna and Shakira are set to headline the tournament’s first-ever World Cup halftime show.
Ahead of the final, President Trump described the competition as one of the most successful sporting events ever staged during a reception with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in New York.
Infantino also praised the tournament’s impact, saying it had surpassed expectations in attendance, global interest and cultural significance as the inaugural 48-team FIFA World Cup comes to its conclusion.
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