FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: All eyes on Messi, Yamal as Argentina and Spain gear up for the ultimate showdown; check kickoff time, venue and how to watch live streaming in US and Canada

FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: After more than five weeks of high‑voltage drama and competitive soccer across 103 matches, the stage is set for the much‑awaited FIFA World Cup 2026 Final as Argentina and Spain prepare to meet on Sunday July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The match brings together the reigning South American and European champions in a contest that promises both drama and history.

The final will decide whether Argentina become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to defend the title or Spain add a second star to their crest. It is a meeting of generations and styles, with Lional Messi possibly playing his last World Cup match and Lamine Yamal representing the future.
Spain arrived at the final after producing their most complete performance of the competition in a 2-0 semi-final victory over France. Their campaign began with a stumble but grew stronger with each round. Spain opened with a scoreless draw against Cabo Verde before finding their rhythm with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia and a 1-0 victory over Uruguay to top Group H.


They swept Austria aside 3-0 in the Round of 32 but needed late goals from Mikel Merino to edge Portugal 1-0 and Belgium 2-1 in the next two rounds. Belgium’s strike remains the only goal Spain have conceded all tournament. Their steady rise has taken them back to the World Cup final for the first time since 2010 when they lifted the trophy in South Africa.

Argentina’s journey has been far more turbulent but equally compelling. The defending champions opened with three straight group wins, defeating Algeria 3-0 with a Lionel Messi hat-trick, Austria 2-0 with two more goals from the captain, and Jordan 3-1 with another Messi strike. In the knockout rounds, they needed extra time to overcome Cabo Verde 3-2 and then staged a remarkable comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16, overturning a 2-0 deficit in the final minutes to win 3-2.

The quarter-final against Switzerland also went to extra time before Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealed a 3-1 victory. In the semi-final against England Argentina again rallied late. Anthony Gordon had put England ahead but Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute and Martinez struck in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win.

Messi has scored eight goals in this tournament and at 39 he remains the driving force of Argentina’s campaign. Spain meanwhile have built their success on possession and defensive solidity with Rodri anchoring midfield and young talent Lamine Yamal adding creativity.

Spain v Argentina FIFA World Cup Final: Date, time and venue

• Sunday 19 July | New York New Jersey Stadium (3 PM ET)

How to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live in the US

• Channels: FOX, Fox Sports 1, Telemundo, Universo, Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu
• Streaming: Fox One, Peacock, DirecTV, Fubo

How to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live in Canada

• Channels/Streaming: TSN, CTV, and RDS