MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is the venue when Spain and Argentina meet in this year’s World Cup final – and football’s biggest prize will be awarded.
This is the first men’s World Cup final in history between the reigning European and South American champions. Spain are chasing their second World Cup title – Argentina will become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to defend the trophy.
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Spain’s road to the final
After a slow start against Cape Verde, Luis de la Fuente’s side have swept over their opponents:
- Beaten Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France
- Only conceded one goal in the entire tournament
- Kept six clean sheets
- Neutralized France’s star striker in a convincing 2-0 win in the semi-finals
Lamine Yamal has received a lot of attention, but Spain’s defensive record has been just as impressive. Mikel Oyarzabal leads the attack brilliantly, Pedro Porro has established himself as one of the tournament’s best right-backs – and Rodri continues to control everything from midfield.
A win on Sunday would complete one of the biggest international campaigns in modern times – and add the World Championship title to the European Championship gold from 2024.
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Argentina’s road to the final
Lionel Scaloni’s team has won all seven of their matches:
- Beaten Mexico, Japan and Paraguay in the group stage
- Knocked out Brazil, England and Colombia in the playoffs
Argentina has scored the most goals in the tournament – 19 goals, with an average of 2.7 per game. In every playoff game, they have scored at least twice.
The semi-final against England showed everything that characterises this team: they came back from an early deficit, and Lionel Messi inspired another turnaround. Argentina’s defensive vulnerability has been more evident than Spain’s, but they have time and time again found a way to score when it counts.
Line-ups: How the teams start
Spain (4-2-3-1): Simon; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
Argentina (4-3-3): Emiliano Martínez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Enzo Fernández; Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez
Injuries and doubts
Spain have no major injury problems. Yamal and Porro both struggled with minor ailments after the semi-finals, but there is nothing to indicate that they will not start.
Argentina also has an almost full squad. Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes are ready, and Rodrigo De Paul is pushing to start after impressing as a substitute.
How to watch the final
The match will be played on Sunday 19 July with kick-off at 21:00 Norwegian time. In Norway, it is broadcast live on NRK and streamed on NRK TV.
Key figures before the final
| Spain | Argentina | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Backwards goal | 10 |
| 6 | Kept a clean sheet | 3 |
| 5 | Oyarzabal’s goal | 8 (Messi) |
| 2,7 | Goals Per Match (ARG) | 2,7 |
- This is Argentina’s second World Cup final in a row
- Spain’s first final since winning in 2010
- Spain have conceded the fewest goals of any team at the 2026 World Cup
Our Prediction
Argentina have shown time and time again why they are the reigning world champions. But Spain has looked like the most complete team in the tournament – from the group stage to the semi-finals.
Their defensive organisation has been outstanding, while also having enough creativity through Yamal, Olmo and Oyarzabal to break down even the strongest opponents.
Sporten.com tracks: Spain 2-1 Argentina
One thing is certain: History will be made on Sunday evening. The only question is who gets to write their name into football’s eternal memory books.
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