When and where is the World Cup final being played? What to know for Argentina-Spain
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final matchup is set.
Lionel Messi and reigning champion Argentina will take on Lamine Yamal and Spain in the championship game of the first-ever 48-team men’s World Cup, the largest field in the history of the soccer tournament.
Three-time champion Argentina is looking to become the first back-to-back World Cup winner since Brazil captured the 1958 and 1962 titles. One-time champion Spain, meanwhile, is seeking its second title as the country makes its second World Cup final appearance.
Messi, the co-leader in the Golden Boot race, and Argentina have kept their repeat bid alive in dramatic fashion throughout the knockout rounds, most recently stunning England 2-1 in the semifinals on Wednesday. Argentina’s Enzo Fernández leveled the score in the 85th minute off a feed from Messi before Lautaro Martínez headed home a Messi cross just moments later in stoppage time.
The two-goal barrage against England was just the latest thrilling finish for Argentina in the knockout rounds, following extra-time victories over Cape Verde and Switzerland, and a two-goal comeback against Egypt.
Spain clinched its World Cup final berth Tuesday with a 2-0 victory over Kylian Mbappé and France. Spain, which has allowed just one goal the entire tournament, set a men’s World Cup record with its sixth clean sheet after shutting out Mbappé and Co.
Spain now has to take down the Messi-led defending champs in order to bring home the country’s first World Cup title since 2010.
So, where will the Spain-Argentina showdown take place? And when is the final being played? Here’s what to know:
When is the Argentina vs. Spain World Cup final?
The 2026 World Cup concludes with the final on Sunday, July 19.
What time does the Argentina vs. Spain World Cup final start?
Argentina-Spain is slated to start at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT/12 p.m. PT.
Where is the Argentina vs. Spain World Cup final being played?
New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is hosting the final. The venue, which is the home of the NFL‘s New York Giants and Jets, hosted seven previous matches this tournament, the most recent being Norway’s round of 16 win over Brazil.
Where to watch, stream the Argentina vs. Spain World Cup final
The English-language broadcast of the final will air on Fox and can be streamed on Fox One, FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports app.
The Spanish-language broadcast will be shown on Telemundo and Peacock.
Who is performing at the 2026 World Cup final?
The final will feature a Super Bowl-like halftime show, with performances from Justin Bieber Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy and others. Coldplay’s Chris Martin will curate the 11-minute show.
When is the England vs. France World Cup third-place game?
France and England will square off for third place on Saturday, July 18 at 5 p.m. ET/4 p.m. CT/2 p.m. PT. The match will be played at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Where is the next World Cup being played?
The next men’s World Cup in 2030 will feature games across six countries and three continents. Morocco, Portugal and Spain will serve as the main co-hosts, while Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each host one match in celebration of the World Cup’s 100th anniversary.
Uruguay hosted and won the inaugural World Cup, beating Argentina in the 1930 final.
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