Title holders Argentina will take on challengers Spain in a star-studded 2026 FIFA World Cup final as the 39-day spectacle gears up for its closing act.
Sunday’s showdown in New Jersey will feature a unique battle between the best offense and best defense in the tournament. Argentina has scored the most goals (19). Spain has conceded the fewest goals (1 goal).
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The final will see the South American and European champions meet in a World Cup for the first time in 60 years.
And to make things even more special, it represents a clash between generations. Spain’s 19-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal will face off against his childhood hero, Argentina’s 39-year-old Lionel Messi.
Here’s what you need to know about Spain vs. Argentina.
What is your prediction for the winner between Spain and Argentina?
Supercomputer Opta predicts that Spain has a 59.46 percent chance of winning the 2026 World Cup, and Argentina has a 40.54 percent chance of retaining the title they won in 2022.
Where will the World Cup final be held?
The World Cup finals will be held at MetLife Stadium, home of two National Football League (NFL) teams, the New York Giants and New York Jets. For the FIFA World Cup, the venue was temporarily changed to New York/New Jersey Stadium.
Built in 2010, this huge multipurpose stadium can accommodate up to 82,500 spectators for soccer matches. The venue also hosted the final and both semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Spain vs Argentina: Head-to-head
Number of matches: 16 Spain wins: 6 Argentina wins: 6 Draws: 2
Spain vs Argentina: Last 5 matches
(all friendly)
Spain 6-1 Argentina (March 2018) Argentina 4-1 Spain (September 2010) Spain 2-1 Argentina (November 2009) Spain 2-1 Argentina (11 October 2006) Spain 0-2 Argentina (November 1999)
Have Spain and Argentina ever played in a World Cup?
Yes, but only once.
The two sides met in a group match at the 1966 World Cup in England, with Argentina defeating Spain 2-1.
Spain was eliminated in the group stage of that competition, and Argentina was eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Spain and Argentina: Trophies
Spain has won the World Cup once in 2010, while Argentina has won three times in 1978, 1986 and 2022.
At continental level, Spain holds the record for winning Europe four times (1964, 2008, 2012, 2024), while Argentina has won 16 times in South America, with the latest Copa America title to be won in 2024.
Who are Spain’s key players?
Mikel Oyarzabal became Spain’s top scorer at this tournament, scoring five goals, including one in the semi-final against France. Rodri was an integral part of Spain’s midfield and completed the most passes (648) in the tournament.
Teenage sensation Yamal has been playing in this tournament after an injury and is still a constant threat on the right, although he is yet to show his usual magic.
Who are Argentina’s key players?
Messi is the team’s true hero, leading the way with eight goals and four assists, and is also the frontrunner for the Golden Boot.
Messi scored in every match up to the Round of 16, and his assists contributed to his success in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
Lautaro Martinez (3 goals) and Enzo Fernandes (2 goals) also played their part in Argentina’s attacking masterclass.
What are the players and coaches saying?
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente: “Both Spain and Argentina believe that talent and good football will be the dominant game plan.”
Spain captain Rodri: “This team and this generation wanted to make a mark… and now we have reached the World Cup final. So, I am happy with the journey the team has taken, but we will not stop there. Our ambitions go even further.”
Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni: “I’m proud of him (Messi) because he is the best player in the history of football. I think it’s unbelievable that at this moment, at the age of 39, we were able to reach the final like this.”
Emi Martínez, Argentina goalkeeper: “To be honest, sometimes I cry alone remembering what we achieved. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment, because as a footballer sometimes you don’t really know where you are in your career. My message to my teammates is that we should enjoy this moment and prepare with a smile on our faces. This is something we will remember forever.”
What happens if the finals end in a draw?
If the game is tied at the end of regular game time, two overtime periods of 15 minutes each will be played. If the score is still tied, the winner will be decided in a penalty shootout.
