Spain vs. Argentina: The star-studded 2026 World Cup final set for New Jersey

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final pits defending champions Argentina against European titans Spain in a star-packed showdown at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, according to NBC News. The match, scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET, caps the largest World Cup ever with 48 teams played across North America.

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How the teams reached the final

According to ESPN, Spain, the Euro 2024 winners, flew under the radar until a dominant 2-0 semifinal win over France in Dallas. Their unheralded striker, Mikel Oyarzabal, has scored five goals this tournament, including three in the knockout stages, earning him praise as the team’s silent engine, the report confirmed.

Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champions, navigated a scrappy path, surviving extra time against Cape Verde and a late meltdown by England in the semifinals, as reported by ESPN. At 39, Lionel Messi has dominated again, tied with Kylian Mbappé at eight goals for the Golden Boot. “Messi is everything for Argentina,” said ESPN, noting reliable support from Lautaro Martínez and Enzo Fernández, who scored in the 2-1 win over England.

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Predictions and odds

Predictions vary: ESPN writer Becherano favors Argentina 2-1, while Carlisle, Connelly, Dawson, and Hamilton all pick Spain, with scores ranging from 2-1 to 4-1. “Spain won’t make the same mistakes England did,” Hamilton said, according to ESPN.

Betting odds via DK Sports list Spain at +115 and Argentina at +285, with a draw after 90 minutes at +200. The referee is Slavko Vincic of Slovenia, and the match will be broadcast on FOX in English and Telemundo/Peacock in Spanish.

This final is historic: if Argentina wins, coach Lionel Scaloni would become the second person ever to lead two World Cup-winning teams, joining Vittorio Pozzo of Italy, according to NBC News. No other coach has two titles.