The 2026 World Cup reaches its climax at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Spain face Argentina in a final that pits the reigning European champions against the current Copa América champions for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Spain arrive in New Jersey in imperious form, having kept six clean sheets across the tournament and conceded only once all summer. A surprise scoreless draw with Cape Verde in the opening game was their only blemish, and six straight wins since, including knockout victories over Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France, have carried them to the final unbeaten in 37 matches. Victory here would extend the longest unbeaten run ever by a European nation and hand Luis de la Fuente’s side a sixth major trophy from their last seven finals.
Argentina, meanwhile, are through to their seventh World Cup final, trailing only Germany for the most appearances on this stage.
Lionel Scaloni’s side have made a habit of leaving things late, needing extra time or a comeback after the 75th minute in every knockout match so far, including Wednesday’s win over England. They arrive on the back of 14 straight victories, a joint record among South American nations, and are chasing a rare back to back World Cup title. History is against them though, with each of the last three defending champions to reach a final going on to lose it.
The head to head record is level at six wins each with two draws, though Argentina hold the edge in World Cup history after a 2-1 win back in 1966.
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal has already scored five goals this tournament and will be one to watch, while Argentina will likely lean on substitute Lautaro Martínez, who has contributed to a goal in each of his side’s last three matches.
Neither team is dealing with any major injury concerns heading into kickoff.
