Spain vs Argentina summary: Goals, score and highlights | World Cup final 2026

SPAIN ARE WORLD CUP WINNERS!!! THEIR SECOND STAR!!! AND NOW IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE!!! I'M WRAPPING UP. IT'S BEEN A FUN LAST FIVE WEEKS. SPAIN ARE CHAMPIONS. IT'S TIME TO PARTY!!!

THE WORLD CUP WINNING GOAL SCORER FERRAN TORRES SPEAKS AFTER MAKING A MOMENT THAT WILL LIVE IN HIS COUNTRY'S HISTORY. 

SPAIN ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS FOR THE SECOND TIME IN HISTORY!!! THE STRETS OF MADRID AND BARCELONA AND ALL OVER SPAIN WILL BE PARTYING DEEP INTO THE NIGHT!!!

It was an ugly finish from the Argentinians. They went after some of the Spain players after losing the World Cup instead of just shaking hands and accepting defeat. They didn't offer anything in attack. They didn't have a shot, or a shot on goal for the first 100 minutes of the match. Spain played better, and they deserved to win. 

Giuliano Simeone was this close to drawing level off the corner kick but skiied his effort high of the cross bar. 

Once Spain went up in the extra time session, Argentina had to press. That's one thing they do well. When the pressure is on and the game is in the late stages, they thrive. They almost came up with an equalizer and sent it to penalties but Spain was able to scrape it off the front post and keep their seventh clean sheet in eight matches. It's a World Cup record for Spain who also conceded a record low one goal in the entire tournament. 

Ferran buried the second goal of the second extra time, but was called offside. It was close. It was not even looked at by VAR. Once the replay showed, it was offside, but just by a fraction. 

This was the moment Messi knew Argentina was in trouble. A historic World Cup career comes to what is likely a sad ending. After winning it four years ago, Messi got his team to the final but fell short of back to back glory. 

It was the 116th minute that Andres Iniesta won the World Cup in extra time over Netherlands sixteen years ago. This year it was Ferran Torres who came off the bench and won the game after another sub Nico Williams nodded the ball back for Ferran who blasted it past Dibu for the first and only goal of the game. 

Mikel Merino had two games winners in the knockout rounds and it looked like, he had a third game winner with this header. It was this close but he just missed the frame with this glancing effort. 

I'm not one to judge. I'm not one to make decisions or sway opinions. I'm just here to present facts, and evidence. This was the foul that erased the goal from Nico Williams. 

There has been some controversy over some favorable calls for Argentina throughout the World Cup. Had this gone differently today, a whole lot of people would have looked back at this play and wondered how this play wasn't reviewed. 

Time and time again it was Dibu coming up with save after save. You just got the feeling if Argentina could hold off until penalties Dibu would be the favorite to win it for the Albiceleste. 

Enzo Fernandez was sent off with time remaining in regulation time. It was a savage tackle on Marc Cubarsi from Enzo, and with a yellow card already to his name, that was it for him. 

He needed to be historic. He needed to be perfect and he nearly was. Nine saves, and it was almost enough to let him decide it in penalties. 

You could just sense that it was coming. Spain continued to press. Dibu fought back. He was the best on the pitch for the Argentines but he couldn't make every save. 

This was the defining moment in the game. Subs that Luis de la Fuente made in this World Cup made the difference. Merino came off the bench in two straight matches and scored two goals. Fabian scored a goal when he got the start. Ferran Torres comes off the bench and delivers the game winning goal in extra time. 

It wasn't just the game in New York/New Jersey it was the halftime show too. Shakira, Madonna and Justin Bieber performed, but that was just the side show. The real show was on the pitch and what a show it was from Spain. 

It was just an endless onslaught of Spanish possession. Chances were few and far between in the first half for the Spaniards but they were the only ones creating. They were the only ones able to possess and string together passes. Argentina looked overwhelmed from the start. 

Spain are champions of the world for the second time in their history. It was a dominant performance from start to finish. The controlled the game, they controlled the Argentinians. They controlled everything. They needed extra time. It was close, it was tight, it was tense but the better team won tonight. 

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 16 YEARS, SPAIN ARE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!! THEY DOMINATED THE GAME. THEY DESERVED THE WIN. IT TOOK THEM EXTRA TIME, BUT THEY MADE IT HAPPEN!!! ESPAÑA ENHORABUENA!!!

FERRAN TORRES WILL GO DOWN IN SPANISH HISTORY!!! ANDRES INIESTA AND FERRAN TORRES!!! WORLD CUP HEROES!!! TODAY AND FOREVER!!! NICO NODDED IT BACK AND FERRAN TUCKED IT HOME!!!

THE 20TH OF JULY 2026 WILL GO DOWN IN THE HISTORY OF SPAIN!!! IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD CUP!!! FERRAN TORRES!!! WINS IT FOR SPAIN!!!

IT'S ALL OVER!!!

SPAIN HAVE THEIR SECOND WORLD CUP STAR AFTER AN EXTRA TIME WINNER FROM FERRAN TORRES!!!

ARG trying to build something from the midfield but a foul on Simeone will give Spain possession back!

FIVE MINUTES OF STOPPAGE TIME!!!

Low driven corner to the spot and Simeone turned on it and sent it a finger tip or two high of the frame!!!

Messi into the mix off the corner and it hung there for a second and finally got cleared by Spain for another corner. 

Free kick for ARG and Messi sends it short for Tagliafico who send it into the mix and Spain just got a touch on that ball and sent it inches wide of the target for a corner. 

ARG with their last push. Spain trying to hold on for another two minutes. 

Messi with a shot from outside the area and Merino takes it straight to the forehead. He blasted it and Merino took it like a champ!

Messi sends it into the area from the right side and Eric sends it out for a corner kick with the header. 

FERRAN ONE VS. ONE WITH A THE KEEPER AND HE TUCKS IT HOME FOR THE SECOND ONE, BUT THE FLAG GOES UP. NO VAR. NO WAIT. NO NOTHING UNBELIEVABLE. 

Remember Spain has only given up one goal at this World Cup. If they hold up for the rest of extra time it wouldn't just be a second World Cup, it would be history. Spain's 2010 team allowed a record low 2 goals when they won it 16 years. 

What Spain can't do now is sit back and defend. The urgency is there for Argentina, but Spain's back line is holding up like champs. 

It was a ball sent in from the far side to the near post for Lamine. He nodded it back for Ferran who took it out of the air a blasted it past Dibu!!!

WE ARE BACK IN PLAY FOR THE SECOND 15 MINUTES OF THE EXTRA TIME SESSION. 

WE ARE AT THE BREAK HERE FROM NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY! FIFTEEN MORE MINUTES FOR SOMEONE TO WIN IT. FIFTEEN MINUTES TO AVOID PENALTIES. 

Argentina with a push up the park but they aren't even trying to attack. They just want to give their defenders a chance to breathe a bit. 

THREE MINUTES OF STOPPAGE TIME

Yellow card for Scaloni for protesting from the bench. 

Nico Williams opens up to the middle of the pitch, sends a ball to the head of Merino who skimmed the ball off his forehead and sent it inches wide of the back post. 

Lamine from outside the box on the one touch and that goes skiing high and wide. Have to make more of those chances. Can't force them with ARG playing for penalties. 

How this is a foul and how this isn't a goal for Spain is beyond me. No clue.

Zubimendi and Garcia in for Rordi and Laporte. 

Otamendi went down after what looked like nothing, Merino tapped the ball to the side where Nico was waiting to tuck it home. He slotted it home. But the ref brought the play back and took the goal off the board. 

NICO WITH THE TAP IN BUT IT'S BLOWN AWAY AFTER A FOUL CALLED SPAIN!!!

Nico with the slightest of touches on the header from the ball which was saved by Dibu again. Great ball from the right side rom Merino.

Thirty more minutes from New York/New Jersey and Argentina have to do it with a man down. 

WE ARE BACK IN PLAY FOR THE FIRST EXTRA TIME SESSION. 

WE ARE AT THE END OF THE 90!!! EXTRA TIME!!! THIS WORLD CUP HAS BEEN SO GOOD, WHY NOT HAVE ANOTHER 30 MINUTES. 

Lamine got it over the wall and was looking to tuck it into the far post but Dibu was there to make the save. 

Ferran taken down by Paredes at the area and a dangerous free kick from the top of of the box. Could it be? Could they do it here?

ENZO IS GONE!!!! A TERRIBLY LATE CHALLENGE ON CUBARSI RESULTS IN A SECOND YELLOW CARD!!!! ARGENTINA WILL PLAY WITH A MAN DOWN THE REST OF THE WAY!!!

Free kick taken short and it was sent in from the right side but Unai wrapped it up. Nico on the counter from the right side a and he takes the shot on. Dibu made the save but had to punch it away. 

Messi had a head of steam and was taken down by Laporte who is shown a yellow card. First of the match for Spain. 

FOUR MINUTES OF STOPPAGE TIME!!!

Penetrating pass through the midfield for Rodri who took the shot on from distance and sent it well high of target. 

Ferran tries it off the half volley from the dink over the top from Merino and that tough effort goes glancing wide of goal. 

Nervy moments for Spain right now after dominating all game. 

This is when Argentina starts to scare teams. They haven't done anything. Literally nothing. But Spain have seen what they Argentina can do in the final minutes of a game. 

Corner taken short and Laporte gets a chance with a header off the cross by Williams and that was right at Dibu. 

Built up from the back, Spain finds Porro on the right side and his ball into the area is blocked off for a corner kick. 

TEN MINUTES TO GO FROM NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY!!!

Corer kick to the back post from Williams and Cubarsi was the closest there but couldn't get a head to it. 

Cubarsi takes a shot on from distance and Dibu deals with it but left a chance for a rebound but no one was there. 

Spain working the ball around from side to side, and Pedri finds the space in the middle of the park to have a shot on goal but that was stopped again by Dibu. 

Williams and Merino in for Olmo and Baena.

Lamine Yamal with a hopeful ball more than anything to Ferran and it hasn't been his day. 

The subs seem to have activated Argentina. They didn't make anything of the attack but they strung together a couple of passes and looked like they had Spain a little uncomfortable. 

WE ARE BACK IN PLAY FOR THE FINAL 20 MINUTES OF THE FINAL. 

Medina and Simeone out for Romero and de Paul.

HYDRATION BREAK FROM FINAL IN NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY. 

Yamal to the front post and it's cleared away by Mac Allister but Yamal got it back and sent it into the area from the end line. Ferran got a head to it but sent the effort right into the belly of Dibu. 

Baena to the end line and sends it to the back post and Tagliafico had to nod it out for a header. 

Baena with the corner and Dibu got just enough on that to see it cleared away by Romero. 

Corner kick taken low and to the front post, it was sent away but only as far as Lamine who sent it in and Paredes had to head it away for another corner. 

Olmo with a half chance from the top of the area and Dibu struggled with that. The rebound bounces off his chest and goes out for a corner. 

`5 shots and 3 on goal for Spain, 0 shots and 0 shots on goal for Argentina. 

Ferran and Pedri in for Oyarzabal and Fabian. 

Yamal takes it and bangs it into the wall without any danger. 

Olmo taken down right outside the box and this is free kick chance for Lamine. 

Corner kick was taken short blown over the bar by Lamine on a cross into the area.

Olmo to the end line and he sends it back to the spot for Cucu but that was just blocked away by Enzo for a corner kick. One of the best build ups of the day for Spain. 

Another great chance for Spain, Oyarzabal running the counter down the middle of the park and instead of shooting it, he looked for the 1-2 with Olmo.

Spain is starting to push back after constantly being barraged with foul after foul. That might be what Argentina want. 

Rodri goes down after a collision with Paredes off the ball. He threw Olmo to the ground afterwards and that got him in the book but not the bump off the ball. 

Argentina are getting ready to make some subs. They have to find a way to be more dynamic up top. 

Terrible corner taken on the near side. Messi took it but that was never going to find anyone before curling over the touchline. 

Corner kick after Cucurella blocks off the ball into the box from Enzo. 

Spain come out of the break on the front foot and Baena opens up to the middle of park and lets a shot on goal but that was shave easily by Dibu. One of these is going to test him. He's not going to have this easy of a time for the rest of the game, Dibu. 

WE ARE BACK IN PLAY FOR THE SECOND HALF OF ACTION!!!

Back to football we go!

See now, that wasn't so bad, was it? Admit it, you had a little fun. 

All right, let's get back to the game. No more shenanigans.

Take it away, Dane!

The stage has been cleared. The players are on the pitch and the second half is about to start. 

PS22 Chorus sends message of love

A Webby Award-winning children's choir from Staten Island, New York, provided a beautiful song of love, the universal language alongside Coldplay's perfoemance.

In a divided world, the World Cup reminds us to unite. A lovely end to the tournament's first-ever halftime show!!

The Ghetto Kids from Uganda

Wondering who the dance troupe backing up Shakira and Burna Boy was?

They are the Ghetto Kids, a group of kids and teenagers from the impoverished neighborhoods of Kampala, Uganda. They originally shot to fame via viral street dance videos on TikTok and YouTube before reaching the finals of Britain's Got Talent in 2023. Chris Martin personally advocated for them to get this massive global spotlight.

Shakira has arrived, ladies and gents.

Let's be honest, this is what we've all been looking forward to. Even you hardcore anti-halftimers have to admit you turned up the volume just now.

If not, do so now! The Colombian is performing the World Cup anthem “Dai Dai” along with Burna Boy!

Fun fact about the Biebs

As he sings “Everything Hallelujah”, here's a fun fact about JB. 

Bieber has historically been a massive soccer fan, often seen training with professional clubs like Barcelona and Chelsea during past European tours.

Ted Lasso presents Justin Bieber!

A surprise appearance by Ted Lasso and Coach! 

Lasso's brought out Justin Bieber after giving him one of his famous Ted Lasso pep talks with a “Beliebe” sign. Awwww.

Global K-Pop juggernauts on the field

BTS has taken the field to perform their 2020 hit “Dynamite”!

Member Jungkook previously performed “Dreamers” at the 2022 opening ceremony in Qatar, but this is a massive milestone for the full ensemble on U.S. soil.

Seven-Nation Army performed by the Muppets!

As expected, the Muppets showed up alongside Madonna, performing The White Stripes' "Seven-Nation Army".

Madonna on the field!

This isn't Madonna's first massive sporting milestone. She famously headlined the Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show in 2012, which set a viewing record at the time.

She was driven out of the tunnel by famous footballers Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Now, she's singing “Music” and taking the field with a group of dancers, looking as fresh as ever!

Muppet Mayhem on the pitch

In a bizarre twist meant to highlight the education fundraising element, characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets (including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy) are integrated directly into the live performance. If you see Miss Piggy standing next to Madonna on your monitor, it is completely intentional.

Marc Cucurella got his chance at goal but blew his effort just wide. Three shots for Spain, none for Argentina after the first half. That's good news for Spain, but bad news Spain if they can't materialize their chances. 

Oyarzabal got his shot from the top of the area, but was denied by Dibu. It's been one way traffic for most of the first half, but Spain still hasn't figured out a way to break down the back line. 

Coldplay's Chris Martin at the helm

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is serving as the official creative curator of the show, partnering directly with the advocacy group Global Citizen (which he has curated for since 2015).

Martin didn't just pick his friends for this show. He purposefully built a lineup representing nearly every major continent to mirror the global nature of the tournament (North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa are all represented on stage). 

He also insisted that the show be tethered to a cause. The entire production is a fundraising driver for the newly minted FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million for children's schooling and grassroots soccer access worldwide. 

There weren't many highlights to bring you from that first half, but the ones Spain did create, we will show you. 

IT'S TIME FOR THE WORLD CUP FINAL HALFTIME SHOW.. JEN, TAKE IT AWAY. 

It's HALFTIME!

All right, it's time, guys. HALF-time, that is. It's Jen here again to bring you all the live updates from the World Cup’s first-ever halftime show!

Let’s lay out how this is going to go. 

Unlike the Super Bowl, which stretches halftime to nearly 30 minutes, FIFA is keeping a tight leash. The actual musical performance will last exactly 11 minutes.  

To accommodate moving massive stages onto the pitch without ruining the turf for Spain and Argentina, FIFA has extended the traditional 15-minute halftime break to 17 minutes total. 

WE ARE AT THE HALFTIME BREAK FROM NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY!!!

Not a whole lot happening in stoppage time. Like most of the first half, if not all, Spain have looked better but not capitalizing on that possession and few chances can cost you later on. 

FOUR MINUTES OF STOPPAGE TIME!

Lisandro Martinez stays down after the play and he's is going to have to be subbed off. Otamendi comes in for the injured defender right before the end of the 45.

Cucurella winds up from the left side and slashes it across the face of goal just wide of the target! Dibu went for it, and was lucky to see that fly past the post. 

Porro was slipped in to the end line by Oyarzabal and he played a perfect ball to the back post that was begging to be deflected in, but no one was there. 

Oyarzabal taken down in the middle of the pitch by Martinez and finally the ref takes the card out of his pocket. First booking for either side.

Oyarzabal with the shot from outside the area. Olmo left the ball from Baena at the top of the box, and Oyarzabal took it from the top opf the D. 

Olmo with a ball into the box for Oyarzabal but that pass nodded away by Martinez. Spain looking a little more confident in the final third of the pitch. They have been controlling but failing on the final touch. They seem to be getting closer.

Rodri slips in Cucurella to the end line and he puts in a ball, low driven and to the front post but no one was there waiting for it. Flag goes up for offside on the Spain defender. 

Messi takes the long free kick short and Spain take back possession after a couple of seconds. Nothing happening for Argentina. 

Rodri takes down Mac Allister on the left touchline and this is going to be a rare chance for Argentina and Messi to do something in the attacking third. 

Baena with a nice move to the end line but his ball into the front post was chested down and cleared away by Romero. 

Yamal's ball into Olmo from the right touchline was a little too far out in front of the Blonde Spaniard. Spain are knocking but haven't broken down the wall at the back of the Argentina defense. 

Yamal taken down after a skillful move around Tagliafico and he dragged the winger down, but again, Argentina get away with no yellow card. 

WE ARE BACK IN PLAY AFTER THE BREAK!

Spain were looking the more comfortable. Argentina have more to correct coming out of this break. Let's see how both teams come out. 

Pssstttt....don't forget to get excited about halftime!

Hey! It's Jen again, taking advantage of the hydration break to kick off Dane for a second and remind you that I will be here to bring you all the halftime updates. Time to show the world how we do things in the U.S.

Please, don't cover us with your cumbia! We promise it can be fun! If nothing else…do it for Shakira.

WE ARE AT THE HYDRATION BREAK IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL!!!

Baena's corner kick was a bit too tight to Dibu and he claims it out of the air. 

Cucurella earns a corner kick for Spain with a ball that was blocked off by Montiel. 

Messi with a ball in from the left side but that was cut away by Laporte. Spain are wrapping up Messi quite well at the moment. 

Spain have looked better, but that doesn't mean a whole lot with the match at 0-0 through 22 minutes. Argentina can strike in the blink of an eye. 

It's starting to get a little more phyiscal. Romero just send Baena to the ground as he looked to shield off the defender. Then Enzo got the follow through of a Olmo challenge off the throw in. 

Fantastic control from the right side by Lamine who sent it into the box and that was easily taken by Martinez. 

Free kick from the middle of the park and de Paul looks for Nico on the far post who was in space but that ball didn't drop for him. 

Olmo goes down off a challenge from Mac Allister, and that could have been a bookable offense. It's been clean a quarter of an hour, but that can change in a hurry.

Argentina hasn't done anything in their attacking half of the pitch. Spain are dominating possession, which isn't much of a surprise. 

Ball to the back post for Olmo off the corner and he took it down but took too long to put the shot on. 

Fabian sends the ball in for Olmo and it's sent away by Martinez corner coming. 

Just how tired is Argentina going to be coming into this game? They have played some tough, intense long matches in the knockout rounds. 

This was the first chance of the game. It came from Spain, and it was their main man with the chance. Olmo laid it off, and Yamal's shot had to be saved by Dibu.

This game is starting to open up on both sides. Spain don't want to get into a track meet. Argentina won't mind. 

Messi was sent in behind the defense but Unai Simon was high off his line and was just about able to clear it away. 

Yamal with the first chance of the game!!!! A ball into the box was deflected into the feet of Olmo, he laid it off for Yamal on the near post but his shot was blocked off by the Argentina back line. 

Niether Messi, nor Yamal have touched the ball just yet. Those are the two spark plugs for both teams. They don't need to find themselves in this match. They will create by themselves.

Very tentative play from both teams at the moment. That's to be expected. With the new hydration breaks, a lot of these matches don't start to open up under around the 30 minute mark. 

Argentina will come out looking to ruffle the feathers of Spain. They did it against England, and they know if they can get in their heads, they plays into their advantage. 

Spain isn't a team that is going to light up the scoreboard. They want to pass the ball around, possession and make the other team chase. 

Spain are going to want to dominate possession from the start. Argentina have struggled to get off to quick starts. Spain knows that and will be trying to use that to their advantage. 

THE WORLD CUP FINAL IS UNDERWAY FROM NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY!!!

The best defense in the tournament taking on the best attacking team in the the World, and Messi. It's the dream final for FIFA. It's the dream match up for soccer fans everywhere. 

The Spanish Brass just played the Spanish National Anthem just played. Argentina's is coming now, and the heavy contingent of Argentinians are going to belt out the anthem here from New York/New Jersey. 

The teams are coming out of the tunnel and we are getting ready for both teams anthems. It's almost kickoff time from New York/New Jersey.

Madrid is rocking in the Plaza Colon. There are thousands of Spanish fans in the middle of the Spanish capital waiting to celebrate their second World Cup. 

The other superstar in the Yamal family

Over the course of the last six weeks, we have seen some break out sensations both on the pitch and off. Erling Haaland's social media and persona has gained International notoriety. Cabo Verde’s keeper Vozinha had a coming out party in the World Cup, but maybe no one has captured the hearts of fans more than Kenye Yamal. Lamine’s brother has been there for each of Spain’s games and has become one of the gang and the star of the World Cup.

World Cup 2026

How long will the World Cup final halftime show last? How much for singing?

Halftime Show

In the spirit of the US, and the Super Bowl tradition of a halftime show the  World Cup organizers have introduced a halftime show between the first and second half. Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS are going to take the stage and many purists of the game thought this would interrupt the flow of the game, but the good news is, the halftime show won't be as long as expected. Our Calum Roche has more.

Music

Flashback to Robbie Williams’ 2018 World Cup show performance in Russia and his middle finger to critics

We made it through this one vulgarity-free this time!

Jennifer Hundson just belted out the National Anthem. Now it's time for Robbie Williams and Nicole from the Pussycat dolls. Can't remember how to spell her last name, but they are singing the newest FIFA anthem “Desire”

Stoppage time winners

It hasn't just been Argentina scoring late goals in this World Cup, this entire tournament has been defended by late drama, last minute winners, and stoppage time goals. In total there have been 11 last minute goals scored at the World Cup, comprising of over 10 percent of the 103 games we have seen so far. Do we have one more heart pounding finish in store for today? We will find out in about two hours time.

Halftime update interruption!

Hi, everyone! It's Jen here, stealing the mic from my colleague, Dane, to let you know that I’ll be hopping on at halftime to give you all the updates from the first-ever World Cup halftime show. We’ve got Shakira and BurnaBoy, Madonna, BTS, JustinBieber, and GustavoDudamel coming up. We know this idea has been controversial to the fans outside the U.S., but give it a shot! It’s happening, like it or not, so may as well sit back and let yourself be entertained. 

World Cup 2026

FIFA to present World Cup championship rings: how much are they worth and what are they made of?

World Cup rings

FIFA has adopted more than a few American traditions since the kicking the World Cup on US soil. The winners of today's final, in very American spirit, will be taking home World Cup rings. They have been fashioned much like the championship rings we see in the NFL or the NBA. Our Pablo M. Fuentenebro and Aritz Gabilondo have more.

The other guys

Through the first three games of Argentina's World Cup campaign, it was Lionel Messi scoring basically all of the goals. He had six of Argentina’s eight goals in the group stages, but has just two goals in the four group stages heading into this final. He has taken a step back from his goal scoring role and now is playing provider trying to get the other guys more involved. He had two assists against England and four in the last three games. The one who has benefited most from Lautaro Martinez who has three goals in the tournament and Enzo Fernandez has two goals, both of which scored the goals against England.

World Cup 2026

How rare is a back-to-back World Cup champion? The historical stats behind defending the title

Back to back champs

Lionel Messi are back in the World Cup final for the second time in four years. They are looking to do something that has only been done twice before in the history of the tournament. It's been sixty years since a team went back to back, and our William Allen has the scoop on back to back winners of the World Cup.

World Cup 2026 | Spain - Argentina

MetLife Stadium chaos: Journalists wait more than three hours to enter World Cup final

There was a major shake up at the ground of New York/New Jersey Stadium. Journalists had a nightmare of a time entering the ground before the final. Our David Nelson has more. 

World Cup 2026

What is Argentina’s record against Spain? All-time head-to-head record ahead of 2026 World Cup final

Overall record

Historically, these two teams couldn't be more evenly matched. When you look at the overall record you see this match up is dead even. This will be the 15th time these two giants of the game have met with Argentina having won six games, Spain have won six games and they have drawn twice. Our Jen Bubel has more.

The Comeback experts

Call them what you want. The Comeback Kids. The Avengers. What ever floats your boat, but this Argentina side have made a few hearts back home skip a beat or two over the last few weeks. The way they have been winning isn't the easiest, but it sure had been fun. A fantastic match against Cabo Verde that went to extra time, a two goal comeback on Egypt with a stoppage time winner, another extra time match against Switzerland, and a two goals after the 85th minute to complete a comeback over England. How much more do they have in the tank is one question? But how much more can we take in another?

Cup cake run for defending champs?

Finally Argentina had to play a team that was considered a “top” side in this tournament after a relatively breezy run through the group stages and the knockout stages. Before the England games, who were ranked fourth, they hadn't played a quality opponent in any of their matches. The FIFA World Rankings began in 1992 and since the 1994 World Cup, no team has reached a semifinal without playing a top 15 opponent. Argentina has played Algeria (28), Austria (24), Jordan (63), Cabo Verde (67), Egypt (29) and Switzerland (19) in this tournament. Call it the luck of the draw, but Argentina can only beat the teams that are put in their way to a second straight World Cup final. Today that team is Spain, ranked second in the world, behind Argentina.

Messi and Argentina are out on the pitch, getting ready for their second World Cup final in a row. 

Minutes piling up

It's not just the 39 year old Messi, but obviously as one of the older players entering the tournament you can’t help but wonder who much more is in the tank? After breezing through the group stages, it’s been a long and winding road for Argentina. They have had to play an hour more of extra time soccer, and in the two matches that didn’t go to extra time, they had to make late comebacks that had to take their tole. Messi has played in every minute of every game except when he started on the bench against Jordan. He has played 620 of the 680 that Argentina has played. Again, he’s not the only one that the minutes are starting to their their toll on, but he is the oldest one on the team.

World Cup 2026

Piqué relives 2010 and breaks down Spain–Argentina: “Messi is pure intelligence, and Spain must be more radical than ever in its style”

Our Miguel Angel Vasco sat down with Gerard Pique. The Barca defender won a World Cup with Spain, but says he'll be happy is Spain lose, for one reason. Here is the entire interview. 

Offense vs. Defense

It's the quintessential match up of offense versus defense. Messi and Argentina have scored the most goals in the tournament with a total of 19 goals. They were the highest scoring team even heading into the semifinals, over the French side that everyone said was so fearsome. Now for a second straight match Spain will take on one of the top attacking sides in the world, and the top goal scoring team in this tournament hoping for a sixth clean sheet in seven tries.

2010 defense Spain

If the Spanish defense can hold Argentina off the scoresheet then they would break their own record set in 2010 when they won the World Cup. They allowed just two goals that tournament. One came in their first game, which they lost to Switzerland 1-0. The other came against Chile in the final match of group stages. They won that game 2-1 and went through the knockout stages without conceding a single goal. They would win each of their next four games by a scoreline of 1-0, with the World Cup being won in extra time.

Spains record setting finals run

Spain's defense has been historic in this World Cup and even dating back to last World Cup. Unai Simon broke Walter Zenga’s record of 518 minutes without giving up a goal in the World Cup, shattering that record and keeping a clean sheet for 650 total minutes. Belgium snapped that record in the quarterfinal, but Spain have not allowed another goal since. If they keep a clean sheet today they will set the record for fewest goals allowed for a World Cup winner.

Opening Ceremony

FIFA is pulling out all of the stops for this World Cup final from New York/New Jersey. They are an opening ceremony and and halftime ceremony planned. Before the players take the pitch for the final, the stage will be set for Robbie Williams,  Jennifer Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini who will be getting the world ready for the final. Tom Cruise and ISHOWSPEED are set to make appearance too.

Argentina are going with Nico Gonzalez on the wing instead of Simeone. That's the only change in the XI from the semifinal.

The perfect World Cup?

It was the biggest World Cup in history. More teams, three host countries, a load of games added to the schedule, 12 groups, and and added knockout round. They said it would be diluted. They said there were too many teams. What happened? We might have had the most perfect World Cup ever. We had our fair share of surprises, like Cabo Verde, like Egypt, like DR Congo. It's been dramatic. It’s been irresistible, and it has been peak entertainment. In the end, we had what we were kind of hoping for. After all the surprises and upsets and fun, we got the four best teams in the world. Now we are down to two teams, and the only thing that would make this World Cup better is to have a fitting final to what has been a fantastic tournament.

Spain is going with a pretty unsurprising XI for this World Cup final. It's Olmo and Fabian in the middle, which may have been the only doubts coming into today. 

Today's odds

We have been keeping track of the World Cup winner odds all tournament. Spain and France were the favorites coming into the World Cup. Argentina was in the mix, but they weren’t considered the front runners in the minds of the odds makers. After 103 games, we have just 90 minutes left. Perhaps 120. Spain comes into the final as the favorite to win, at (+125), while Argentina pays (+260) and a draw would get you a (+200) pay out.

No sanctions for Argentina

While FIFA haven't done the best of jobs separating politics and religion that is one of the principal rules in the World Cup and FIFA tournaments. Rodri and Alvaro Morata were suspended match for chanting “Gibraltar is Spanish” a political statement after Spain won the Euro final against England a couple years ago. After the win over England on Wednesday, Argentina players were seen celebrating their win that said the “Malvinas are Argentinian” referencing the Falkland Islands. There has yet to be any sanctions before the World Cup, and it looks like the Argentinians are going to get away with this one.

FIFA Rankings

Taking a look the ever changing FIFA Rankings, we see Argentina has retaken the top spot. Heading into the semifinals, Argentina had dropped out of the top spot as France topped the ranking but that was short-lived after Spain beat them in the semis. After beating England in the semis, Argentina are back in the top spot with Spain sitting in second. France lost the third place game yesterday but they still sit third while England are fourth. The team that made the biggest jump up in the top 10, is Mexico who were eliminated by England and the round of 16.

Give it up for Cabo Verde

Before we go too deep into this match, can we just give it up for Cabo Verde? The World Cup debutants came into this tournament as the 67th ranked team in the tournament. They played Spain in the first match of their World Cup campaign, and they played them to a 0-0 draw. They would draw their next two games against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay before taking on Argentina in the round of 32 and had the defending champions on the ropes. They drew the two finalists of the World Cup in 90 minutes before eventually losing to Argentina in extra time. They may be watching from home today, but this has to be a proud day for Cabo Verde.

The famous Messi/Yamal baptism photo

It's the picture that defines this World Cup final. It was taken 18 years ago, and as fate would have it, the two protagonists will be playing against one and other today in New York. A 21 year old Messi with a new born Lamine Yamal. Seeming to be baptized by Messi. He is here to take the torch and bring Barcelona into a new era, but today they will be playing on opposite sides of the pitch. If Messi wins, his legacy will grow even more and his case for the greatest of all time will almost certainly be cemented. If Yamal wins, it could be the end of one era and the new age for the current Barcelona star to start making building his resume for the greatest of all time. There will be a long way to go and plenty to do to reach Messi’s level, but winning a World Cup at 19 won’t hurt that argument in a couple decades time.

Tuchel under fire

On the other hand, there is Thomas Tuchel. Many people believe that Argentina are in this final because of the decisions he made after going up the goal. He subbed off all of his attacking players, put in his defenders and let Argentina attack for the final 30 minutes. Once the first goal went in, it was inevitable that the second goal was coming. They are calling for his head in England, and you wouldn't be surprised if it does end up costing him his job.

Coaches resumès

While the players will get most of the credit for being here, as they should, you have to tip your cap to the managers in both dugouts. Luis de la Fuente and Lionel Scaloni have been big parts of their teams runs to the final. Scaloni has already won a World Cup and two Copa Americas, but he is looking for a second World Cup today from New York. The Spainsh manager has rose up the ranks for the Spanish Football Federation. He started coaching the U-19s in 2013, then went up to the U-21s before spending a short stint with the U-23s. He took over Spain's first team in 2022 and since then he has won the Euros, a UEFA Nation League and finished runner up in another Nations League. After four years, he is on the verge of winning the only thing missing from this trophy cabinet.

World Cup's new all time goal scorer

With his two goals in the third place game against England, Kylian Mbappé has officially become the World Cup's all time leading scorer. Messi took the record from Miroslav Klose in the group stage match against Austria, but Mbappe has been right on his tail since. He started this World Cup with 12, and had ten in this World Cup alone. He still has at least one more, if not two more World Cups coming. For Messi, this could be it. He is one behind Mbappe, but you wouldn’t put it past the GOAT to score a couple goals today and retake the lead from Mbappe.

Golden Boot race

Messi hasn't scored in two matches. That is strange, especially considering how he started this World Cup. He had six goals in the first three games of this tournament, but since then just two. After yesterday’s third place game, in which Kylian Mbappé scored two goals, he has surpassed Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. Messi will have an eye on that race, but he will be much more concerned with winning the game against Spain and then taking home the Golden Boot trophy.

Spain's World Cup history

Spain is often thought of as a super power in the world of soccer, but it hasn’t always been that way. Since 2008 when won their second Euros ever, Spain has put themselves in the elites of the game, but before that they were never considered to be in that conversation. Before their World Cup run in 2010, they had been past the quarterfinal just once, and that came back in 1950. Since then it was disappointment after disappointment as the national team made just three quarterfinal appearances and lost each and every one. Then in 2010 finally they got their first star, but they haven’t been close to sniffing the final since then. Until now. They are just one win away from their second star.

World Cup history: Argentina

Argentina have been powerhouses in this tournament since the very first World Cup. They finished runners-up in the inaugural World Cup in 1930, losing to Uruguay. They got their first star in the 1978 World Cup, winning it on their home soil, and then again eight years later in Mexico thanks to Diego Maradona's Hand of God goal which got them through the quarterfinals. They would get runner up in the 1990 World Cup, but would have to wait over three decades to earn a third star. They got close in Brazil back in 2014, but lost in the final to Germany. Finally, Messi got his World Cup and Argentina snapped their 32 year drought in Qatar four years ago. They are back in the final for the second straight World Cup and fifth overall.

Star watch: Spain

When you look at this Spain side there isn't one star you circle and say, if you stop him you stop them. Lamine Yamal is the face of this squad, but Dani Olmo has been the most impactful player in Spain’s World Cup campaign. The magic man in the middle doesn’t have any goals and only has two assists in the World Cup, but he is the metronome for this team. Everything that happens for Luis de la Fuente’s side runs through him and through Rordi. Olmo started just one match in the group stages, but he has been an undisputed starter in the knock out rounds, and has been one of the best players on the pitch in each of those games.

Star watch: Argentina

There are days and matches that should make you live in the present, but appreciate the past. This is very likely the final World Cup match we will ever see Lionel Messi play. We thought we had seen everything Messi had to offer over his incredible career, but this World Cup has been maybe his finest hour. At 39 years old, he is the best player on Argentina and might still be the best player in the world. This is one final swan song in the World Cup and how sweet would it be for Argentina to watch their hero sail off into the sun with a second straight World Cup, which would have to end the GOAT argument once and for all.

STARTING XI: Argentina

We have the Argentina XI ready. While they haven't published it on their social media yet, we have got word that this will be Scaloni’s starting XI. It’s Dibu Martínez in goal with  Montiel, Romero, Lisandro, Tagliafico in the back. De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, Nico González are in the middle with Messi, Julián Álvarez up top.

How they got here: Argentina

Lionel Messi exploded in the group stages, scoring a hat trick in the first game of Argentina's World Cup campaign against Algeria. Then he scored two against Austria before scoring another against Jordan in the defending champions 3-1 win to close the group stages. The knockout rounds have been heart stopping matches that Argentina have never looked comfortable in, but somehow they continues to pull off late win after late win. A extra time thriller against Cabo Verde, a two goal comeback against Egypt, another extra time match against Switzerland and another comeback in the final few minutes over England have Argentina knocking on the door of a second straight World Cup.

How they got here: Spain

It was a rocky start for Spain who drew their first game against Cabo Verde in the first match of group stages. Little did we know what a good team that would turn out to be. They got the train back on the tracks against Saudi Arabia with a 4-0 win that was followed by a 1-0 win over Uruguay to top the group heading into the knockout stages. An easy win over Austria kicked of the knockout rounds, but then things got tricky for Spain. A stoppage time goal was enough to beat Portugal in a tight 1-0 match which sent then to the quarters. Belgium gave Spain all they could handle but another late winner saw them through to the semis where they put on a clinic against France.

STARTING XI: Spain

No surprises in the Spain XI from Luis de la Fuente for this World Cup final. He's going with Unai Simon in goal, Cucurella, Cubarsi, Laporte and Pedro Porro in the back. In the middle it’s Rodri, Fabian and Olmo with Lamine Yamal and Baena on the outside and up top it will be their top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal.

Last game: Argentina

Argentina looked like they were in trouble for the first 60 minutes of the semifinal against England. They spent most of the first hour of the match chasing, and creating very few chances. Right before the hour mark, Anthony Gordon tucked home the opener to put England up but then they would drop back and open the door for Argentina to mount an epic comeback. First it was Enzo Fernandez with the equalizer from outside the in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez scored the stoppage time winner off Messi's second assist of the match to put Argentina back in the final for a second straight World Cup.

Spain's last game

The Spaniards took on big, bad France and their seemingly unstoppable front four, but the record setting defense of Spain locked down one of the best attacking teams in the world. Lamine Yamal drew a penalty on Lucas Digne after a shaky clearance from the defender and Mikel Oyarzabal tucked home the spot kick to put Spain in the lead in the 22nd minute. Mbappe, Dembele, Olisw and Doue were silenced by the Spain back line and Pedro Porro connected with Dani Olmo on a one-two and the defender slotted the second goal past the keeper as Spain punched their ticket to the World Cup final.

We are live from New York/New Jersey

Hello everyone and welcome to New York where two teams enter with the World Cup on the line. Argentina are looking for a second straight World Cup and hoping to send their icon, their living legend, their messiah off with a fitting farewell. Lionel Messi spent most of his career in Spain, and today he will take on the Spaniards, and a new teenage prodigy who is trying to take the torch from the greatest soccer player of this generation and maybe ever.

Spain vs. Argentina World Cup final live

After 103 matches, 48 teams, 12 groups, over a month of non stop action and finally the World Cup final. They came in to this tournament as two of the top ranked teams in the world and after taking very different paths to the final, but we have what many would consider a dream match up for the final. Europe vs. South America. Messi vs. Yamal. Spain vs. Argentina. AS English will be with you all day providing live coverage, stats, highlights and analysis of the final from New York.