The stage is set for football's grandest occasion. Spain and Argentina will contest the 2026 World Cup final this Sunday, July 19, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm UK time (3pm local) at the MetLife Stadium in New York.
Over one billion viewers tuned in when Argentina defeated France in the 2022 final in Qatar, where Lionel Messi cemented his legacy. A comparable global audience is expected this weekend as the next world champions are crowned — and Messi himself has the opportunity to claim back-to-back World Cup titles.
Argentina secured their place in the final after coming from behind to beat England 2-1 in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 15. Spain earned their spot by stunning France with a 2-0 victory in the other last-four encounter on Tuesday, July 14.
The MetLife Stadium, home to NFL franchises the New York Giants and New York Jets, was announced as the final's host venue in 2024 and boasts a capacity of 82,500 seats. The weather forecast for Sunday indicates temperatures of 28°C at kick-off with the chance of thundery showers, meaning there is a possibility the start could be delayed or the match halted due to inclement conditions.
UK viewers will be able to watch the final for free, with the match expected to be broadcast on both BBC and ITV. Streaming options include BBC iPlayer and ITVX. talkSPORT will also provide live radio coverage, available via DAB digital radio, smart speakers, 1089 or 1053 AM, or the talkSPORT app.
Spain's route to the final saw them edge Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals on Friday, July 10, before dismantling France in the semis. Argentina, meanwhile, overcame Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in the last eight on Sunday, July 12, then dispatched England in their semi-final. France and England will meet in the third-place play-off on Saturday, July 18.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has a squad brimming with talent, including Rodri, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams. Key defenders include Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte, while David Raya and Unai Simon compete for the goalkeeper spot.
Lionel Scaloni's Argentina boast considerable firepower alongside Messi, with Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Thiago Almada among the forward options. In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister provide quality, while Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez anchor the defence in front of Emiliano Martinez.