Spain and Argentina Set to Clash in 2026 World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium
The 2026 World Cup final will see Spain and Argentina face off on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain aims for its second World Cup title, having last triumphed in South Africa in 2010, while Argentina looks to add to its three titles, including the title won four years ago in Qatar.
Here’s what to expect when tuning in to the 2026 World Cup final.
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What time does the Spain vs. Argentina World Cup final start? How to watch?
The match will kick off at 3 p.m. ET, which is 4 p.m. in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and 8 p.m. in Madrid, Spain.
TV: Fox, FS1, Telemundo, Universo
Streaming: Fox One, Peacock
How did Spain and Argentina reach the World Cup final?
Argentina secured top spot in Group J with a perfect 3-0-0 record, defeating Algeria, Austria, and Jordan to advance to the knockout stage for the sixth consecutive World Cup. The reigning champions faced challenges in the knockout rounds, needing extra time to beat debutants Cape Verde, executing a late comeback to overcome Egypt, and topping Switzerland after another match that went to extra time. They then pulled off a stunning two-goal rally in the closing minutes against England in the semifinals.
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Lionel Messi scored in each of Argentina’s initial five matches and heads into the World Cup final leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals, owing to four assists that give him the tiebreaker over Kylian Mbappé.
Spain had a rocky start with a scoreless draw against Cape Verde, but bounced back with victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to win Group H. Goalkeeper Unai Simón maintained a clean sheet streak during the knockout rounds, eliminating Austria and Portugal before a late goal from Mikel Merino secured their spot in the final after defeating Belgium. A complete team effort allowed Spain to defeat France 2-0 and reach the final for the first time in 16 years.
Shakira appears with FIFA president Gianni Infantino before Sunday’s World Cup final. The Colombian superstar is set to perform during the game’s extended halftime show.
(Eva Marie Uzcategui – FIFA via Getty Images)
Who is performing at the World Cup final halftime show?
In a historic first, FIFA will present a halftime show during the final.
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Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS will co-headline the halftime performance. Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, the PS 22 Chorus, and Coldplay will also feature in what FIFA initially termed an “11-minute broadcast.”
FIFA is reportedly targeting the halftime show to last around 20 minutes, a deviation from the International Football Association Board rules stating that halftime should not exceed 15 minutes, barring referee approval for any alterations.
Fans can anticipate a much longer halftime break than usual.
Who is performing at the World Cup final closing ceremony?
Unlike the Olympics, the World Cup closing ceremony will not signify the tournament’s conclusion. Instead, it will serve as a pre-game showcase for the final.
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Post Malone will perform approximately 90 minutes before the match as part of a show designed to “unite music, culture, and football on the world’s biggest stage,” according to FIFA.
The closing ceremony will also feature performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed, along with a special appearance by movie star Tom Cruise.
The ceremony will conclude with Jennifer Hudson singing the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
(Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Why President Trump will be part of the World Cup trophy presentation
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has forged a close relationship with the U.S. leader in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. Last December, Trump was awarded the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize during the tournament draw, following his appearance on stage at Chelsea’s Club World Cup trophy presentation.
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On Sunday, Trump will take center stage alongside Infantino to help present the World Cup trophy to the winning captain.
While it is common for heads of state to participate in trophy presentations, it is usually the winning team that celebrates on stage.
Trump has been involved in this World Cup, having requested that FIFA review the red card assigned to USMNT striker Folarin Balogun during the Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The suspension was lifted, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium in the Round of 16 defeat.
Who will host the 2030 World Cup?
The 24th World Cup will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original tournament. Uruguay hosted the first event in 1930, which featured 13 teams, with the host nation winning the title. (The United States finished in third place.)
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The 2030 World Cup’s main hosts will be Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, along with three matches to be played in South America for the centenary celebration. Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay—the site of the 1930 final—along with Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Estadio Osvaldo Domínguez Dibb in Asunción, Paraguay will host the opening games.
Lisbon and Porto will be the host cities in Portugal, while Morocco will feature locations in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakesh, Agadir, Fez, and Tangier. In Spain, matches will be held in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Zaragoza, Las Palmas, Valencia, and Vigo.
As is customary for host nations, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Portugal, and Spain will automatically qualify for the tournament.