World Cup 2026: When and how to watch Spain vs Argentina final

Argentina and Spain meet in New Jersey on Sunday with the 2026 FIFA World Cup title at stake, as Lionel Messi prepares for what is expected to be his final appearance at the tournament.

Defending champions Argentina face European champions Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with football’s biggest prize on the line.

For African football fans following the tournament, the final offers a fascinating tactical battle between the competition’s most prolific attack and its meanest defence, while all eyes will also be on Lionel Messi, who is widely expected to play his final World Cup match.

Argentina have battled their way to the final through a series of hard-fought knockout victories, relying on resilience and composure under pressure to overcome opponents including England and France.

Spain, meanwhile, have reached the showpiece by dominating possession and controlling matches, eliminating Austria, Portugal and Belgium before beating France 2-0 in the semi-finals.

Messi leads fully fit Argentina

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has no fresh injury or suspension concerns ahead of the final, leaving him with a full-strength squad.

The South Americans have scored a tournament-leading 19 goals and have balanced attacking quality with disciplined defensive organisation, often sitting in a compact mid-block before launching rapid counter-attacks.

Messi remains the team’s creative heartbeat, while Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernández are expected to play key roles in disrupting Spain’s midfield rhythm.

Likely Argentina XI: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González.

Spain chase another major title

Spain also head into the final without any injury or suspension setbacks, allowing coach Luis de la Fuente to select his preferred starting line-up.

The European champions have extended their unbeaten run to 37 matches in all competitions and have impressed throughout the tournament, conceding just one goal on their way to the final.

Rodri is expected to dictate play from midfield, while Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal will provide attacking width as Spain look to stretch Argentina’s defence.

Likely Spain XI: Unai Simón; Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams.

Battle of attack against defence

The final is expected to pit two contrasting styles against each other.

Spain are likely to dominate possession, patiently building attacks through Rodri and Dani Olmo as they search for openings in Argentina’s defensive shape.

Argentina, however, are expected to remain compact without the ball before looking to exploit transitions, using the pace of their forwards and Messi’s movement between the lines to launch dangerous counter-attacks.

Match details

• Fixture: Argentina vs Spain
• Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
• Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
• Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
• Kick-off: 8:00 p.m. Morocco time (WET) / 3:00 p.m. EDT / 7:00 p.m. GMT

How to watch

• MENA: beIN Sports / TOD
• USA: Fox Sports / Telemundo
• Spain: RTVE / DAZN
• Argentina: Telefe / TV Pública / TyC Sports
• United Kingdom: BBC / ITV